John Parks Dead in Officer-Involved Shooting

According to Carter, in February of 2019, the McCracken County Sheriff's Office arrested former McCracken County High School Fishing Coach, 57-year-old John Parks, on multiple charges, including possession of child pornography.

Following this, on April 5 of 2019, evidence was presented to a McCracken County Grand Jury which led them to indict Parks on nine more counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor.

Deputies issued a felony warrant on April 9 of 2019, and Parks was arrested. On February 20 of 2020, Parks entered a guilty plea in McCracken County Circuit Court and was scheduled to be sentenced on July 1.

According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Office, last week detectives became aware that Parks had allegedly attempted to obtain fake documents and flee the area before he was sentenced. Detectives consulted with the Commonwealth Attorney's Office, and a decision was made to revoke his bond. The warrant on this allegation became active today, and deputies began working to locate Parks.

Carter says officers set up a surveillance detail, which resulted in them positively identifying Parks, who had allegedly already altered his appearance. Detectives followed him to a location near Kentucky Oaks Mall where he was reportedly ready to obtain a fake identification. Detectives approached him and attempted to take him into custody. Parks reportedly refused and fled the area.

Parks then led deputies back to a home on Court Avenue. As deputies approached his vehicle, they reportedly had to defend themselves against Parks, and he was shot. McCracken County Coroner Amanda Melton pronounced him dead at the scene.

A short time later, Carter contacted the Kentucky State Police and asked them to investigate. The deputy that was involved has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol according to Carter.

According to the Kentucky State Police, an autopsy is pending and expected to take place in Madisonville. The investigation is ongoing.

You can see our previous story on Parks below.