Bowling Green Police Officer, David Whitson, Fatally Shot
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, October 31, 2006
- Photo by Joe Imel/Daily NewsBowling Green Police Officer Erik Woodward (from left), Maj. Joe Manning and Officer Beldon Parry walk away from the scene of shooting where Bowling Green Police Officer, David Whitson, was fatally injured Tuesday at 1036 Vine Street. A civillian victim is being treated in the background. He later died as well.
A Bowling Green Police Department officer was shot and killed this morning while responding to a call for assistance.
Master Police Officer David Whitson, 34, died at 11:19 a.m. after being transported to The Medical Center, said Trooper Todd Holder, public affairs officer for Kentucky State Police. State police are investigating the incident.
Whitson was an eight-year veteran of the department, spending the entire time working in patrol, said BGPD Officer Barry Pruitt.
Whitson had a wife and two children, according to former BGPD Chief Bill Waltrip.
Four officers arrived at 1036 Vine St. for a call for assistance, Holder said. During the call, shots were fired, fatally injuring Whitson and Rojelio Gonzalez-Pacheco, 26. Gonzalez-Pacheco was also taken to the hospital where he died at 11:35 a.m.
Witnesses said they heard at least four shots fired. State police detectives were questioning a number of people around the scene.
City police detectives removed at least one man from the scene.
It was an emotional scene at The Medical Center shortly after the shooting as members of all of Warren County’s law enforcement agencies came to the hospital.
The funeral arrangements for Whitson are incomplete, according to BGPD Chief Doug Hawkins.
“The city of Bowling Green family offers their heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Bowling Green Master Police Officer David Whitson, who was killed in the line of duty this morning,” Hawkins said. “The loss of Officer Whitson will be profoundly felt, not just by his family, colleagues and loved ones but also by our whole community.”
Warren County Commonwealth’s Attorney Chris Cohron said he knew Officer Whitson very well.
“He was an extremely proud father,” Cohron said. “When he came to grand jury, he would bring his son – he looked a lot like his daddy. He was a very dedicated officer and father. Tragic does not put into words the loss this community has suffered.”
Cohron said once the state police investigation is complete, “I will review their findings” to determine the next step.
When asked how many people were involved in the shooting, Cohron responded, “All aspects of the case are under investigation.”
“I want to assure the citizens of Bowling Green that normal police service will not be interrupted,” Holder said.
More information will be released at a 7 p.m. news conference today with state and city police.
Click below to view today’s press conference. (Video by Joe Imel/Daily News)
