Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown, KY.  (December 20, 2018)—On Thursday morning at 1:55 A.M. (CST),  Kentucky State Police, Post 3 Bowling Green received a call for service to assist the Butler County Sheriff’s Department regarding a report of a domestic dispute, which was occurring on Brownsville Road in the Morgantown community of Butler County.  Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Conservation Officer Jonathan Barks was nearby, and responded to the scene to assist, arriving first. 

 Upon his arrival, Officer Barks located Gary L. Ranburger (55) of Morgantown, who was outside his residence near a vehicle located at 2969 Brownsville Road.  Ranburger was armed, and a confrontation ensued with shots being exchanged between Ranburger and Officer Barks.  Officer Barks fired his duty weapon striking Ranburger multiple times.  Ranburger was transported from the scene by Butler County EMS, and eventually flown via medical helicopter to TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville where he is currently listed in critical—but stable condition.   Officer Barks was not injured.  Officer Barks has been placed on administrative leave, which is customary in all critical incidents, according to a Kentucky Fish and Wildlife spokesperson.

 The investigation continues and is being conducted by members of the KSP Critical Incident Response Team and Detectives from KSP Post 3.  No further information is available for release at this time.  Kentucky State Police will continue to update the public as more information becomes available.