Police in Kentucky recently shot a man to death in his home while they executed a search warrant that appears to have been intended for a
different address.
Doug Harless, 63, lived in London, a southern Kentucky town of about 8,000 residents, and was killed by police officers at his home at 511 Vanzant
Road on the night of 23 December. However, audio from local Laurel county emergency dispatchers – and obtained by Kentucky news stations – shows that the search warrant was intended for 489 Vanzant Road, as was repeated multiple times on a recording of the audio.
The owner of 489 Vanzant Road told news station WKYT that no one had lived at that address for months.
The Guardian contacted Kentucky state police – which is investigating the London police's killing of Harless – but did not immediately receive a response.
Surveillance video provided to local news by Harless's neighbor showed officers arriving at his home at about 11.50pm, banging on the door and announcing themselves over the sound of barking dogs. The video shows officers moved around the perimeter of the house – with others on the porch – before the sound of five gunshots erupted. Separately, a voice is heard on dispatch audio saying: "Shots fired. 489 Vanzant Road." Harless received medical attention at the scene but died there.
Police initially did not say whether Harless was armed. But, in a press release three days after the shooting, police alleged that he "produced a firearm and pointed it at officers".
As the investigation continues, residents of the small town said they were struggling with Harless's killing and the questions that remain over it.
According to Harless's obituary from Hart Funeral Home in Corbin,
Kentucky, he left behind a daughter, grandson and five siblings – as well as a daughter and grandson described as "bonus", which is a term often
used for stepchildren and stepgrandchildren. A comment left on the
obituary page reads: "So sorry! What happened was insane!"
Neighbors and friends told local news stations that they believe Harless
was a victim and not a criminal. "He's a great man. He didn't deserve
that," his longtime friend Shane Cornett told WKYT.
Kentucky: Psychopath Badge Niggers Murder Innocent Man While ServingWarrant
at Wrong Home
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