Officer Franklin W. Pysher, Jr.

Franklin W. Pysher, Jr.

Officer Frank Pysher was shot and killed at the interchange of I-265 and Smyrna Road after responding to a call of a man walking on the highway with a gun.

Officer Pysher located the man and rolled down his window to speak with him around 12:30 p.m. The man was known to Officer Pysher, who had dealt with him on several occasions. The suspect fired his rifle twice, hitting Officer Pysher in the head. Officer Pysher's patrol vehicle continued driving, crossing into oncoming traffic and hitting a guardrail. He was transported to Humana Hospital- University of Louisville, where he succumbed to his wounds.

The suspect was arrested but was found incompetent to stand trial and sent to a state mental institution.

Officer Pysher was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Jefferson County Police Department for over 17 years. His father and three brothers all served in law enforcement. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, stepdaughter, and grandchild.