Kentucky State Police Peacefully Resolve Barricade Situation in Rockcastle County
MT. VERNON, KY – (January 22, 2025) – The Kentucky State Police, London Post, was contacted by Rockcastle 911 just before 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, in reference to a shots-fired complaint that occurred on Kelsey Drive in Rockcastle County.
The initial investigation indicates that Jason N. Cope, 34, of Mt. Vernon, Ky., got into an altercation with a family member and discharged several rounds from a firearm outside of the residence on Kelsey Drive.
When officers from the Mt. Vernon Police Department and a deputy from the Rockcastle Sheriff’s Office arrived, Cope again discharged several rounds in their direction. Mr. Cope went back into his residence and barricaded himself in the residence. The Kentucky State Police arrived and attempted to negotiate with Cope.
However, after hours of failed negotiations, the Kentucky State Police Special Response Team responded to the scene and used non-lethal force to remove Mr. Cope from the residence and place him under arrest.
Jason Cope was charged with:
- Seven counts of Wanton Endangerment
- Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon
- Persistent Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- He also had 2 active warrants for his arrest
Kentucky State Police Detective James Royal is continuing the investigation. He was assisted by Post 11 personnel, the Rockcastle Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Vernon Police Department, Kentucky State Police Special Response Team, and Rockcastle EMS.
