Four people were killed and three others were injured in a mass shooting in Kentucky on Saturday, Florence police said.
Police Chief Jeff Mallery stated at a news conference that officers responded to a call from a private residence at 2:51 a.m. local time. Upon approaching the scene, they heard gunfire and discovered two victims outside.
He mentioned that officers discovered several injured individuals inside the house and provided first aid to as many as possible. Partygoers told the officers that “the suspect fled” and gave a detailed description of the vehicle.
Mallery said other officers entered the neighborhood and saw a vehicle fitting the description, and tried to arrest the suspect but he fled.
Police reported that a chase ended when the suspect’s vehicle swerved into a roadside ditch. Mallery stated that the suspect is believed to have shot himself while driving, resulting in the crash. Upon discovery, the suspect had a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Three of the victims were taken to UC Health Hospital. Officials said they were in critical but stable condition. They appear to be making a full recovery, the police chief said.
Partygoers at the poolside birthday celebration identified the suspect to the police. Mallery noted that the suspect had a prior conviction for a sex crime; however, it did not seem to be connected to the shooting, according to CBS.
The police chief identified the victims during the news conference as Shane Miller, 20, of Florence; Hayden Rybicki, 20, of Ellesmere; Delaney Erie, 19, of Burlington; and Melissa Barrett, 44, of Florence.
Police said the suspect is Chase Garvey, 21, of Florence.
