OLDHAM COUNTY, Ky. — On February 12, Police identified the two who died following a pursuit that led to an officer-involved shooting in Oldham County on February 11.
They are Ty'rell Pounds, 24, and Skylar Williams, 20, of Mansfield Ohio.
Kentucky State Police say the pursuit started in Gallatin County and ended on an on-ramp of Interstate 71.
According to a KSP, the pursuit started when a 911 call was made concerning a possible person in distress in the vehicle. A witness noticed a distressed woman who appeared to be forced into the vehicle by a man. The witness believed the woman was attempting to ask for help before the vehicle sped away toward Interstate 71.
When the police attempted to make contact with the vehicle, the driver did not stop and the pursuit continued into Oldham County.
The KSP spokesperson said stop sticks were attempted twice before the pursuit ended on the ramp.
According to KSP, a trooper heard a gunshot from inside the vehicle while attempting to apprehend the suspect, Pounds. The trooper perceived it as a deadly threat to himself and the passenger, which is when he shot fatally shot Pounds.
Williams, the victim, also suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to University of Louisville hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Body camera video is not available as KSP and Oldham County do not use them.
Statement from The Ohio State University President Michael V. Drake:
Our Ohio State community suffered a tragic loss with the death of Mansfield student Skylar Williams. This senseless and shocking incident has left our campus shaken. We join Mansfield Dean Norman Jones in expressing our condolences and deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with Skylar’s family.
Additional counseling and consultation services have been made available to members of the university community in need of support on our Mansfield campus. Mansfield students can utilize the Student Assistance Program and support services are also available to students, faculty and staff across the university.
Law enforcement continues to investigate all circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Ohio State Highway Patrol at 419-756-2222.