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Off‑Duty Florence Officer Killed After Deputies Return Fire Near Florence

Kentucky State Police's Critical Incident Response team is leading the investigation, withholding details pending interviews with key witnesses.

Overview

  • Boone County deputies responded to a domestic‑violence call that included reports of shots fired and encountered Dustin Zink, an off‑duty Florence police officer who was reportedly armed and making threats.
  • Deputies attempted to negotiate with Zink but were unsuccessful before troopers say Zink fired his weapon multiple times at the scene.
  • Four Boone County deputies then fired their service weapons, striking Zink, who was taken to St. Elizabeth Healthcare Edgewood Hospital and later died from his injuries.
  • The Boone County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from Kentucky State Police and the KSP Critical Incident Response team has taken over the active investigation.
  • Officials have declined to release deputy identities, body‑worn camera footage, or other specifics until key witnesses are interviewed and investigators gather more facts.