Deputies Shot Serving Warrant, Suspect Dies in Standoff

In Walton, Kentucky, a routine warrant service turned into a nightmare on the night of August 28, 2025, leaving two Boone County Sheriff’s Office deputies wounded and a community in shock. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Justin Chapman, unleashed a barrage of gunfire on the officers before barricading himself in his apartment, ultimately ending his life in a dramatic standoff that gripped Northern Kentucky.

The chaos unfolded at the Towne Creek Crossing Apartments, a modest complex tucked behind a Kroger on Service Road. Just after 10 p.m., two seasoned deputies arrived to serve a felony arrest warrant tied to overdue child support, a seemingly routine task with a $14,000 bond. But as they breached the door of Chapman’s residence, they were met with what Major Phillip Ridgell of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office described as “heavy gunfire.” The suspect, later confirmed as Chapman, opened fire, striking one deputy in the chest and the other in the leg. Miraculously, both officers were wearing bulletproof vests, a factor that likely saved their lives.


The injured deputies, both veterans of the sheriff’s office, were rushed to UC Medical Center in Cincinnati. One was airlifted in critical condition, while the other was transported by ambulance. By Friday morning, August 29, both were reported stable, with one having undergone surgery overnight. Major Ridgell, speaking to reporters, called the incident a “worst nightmare type of situation” for the deputies and their families, who gathered at the hospital alongside a flood of law enforcement officers from across the region, including Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge and Boone County Sheriff Michael Helmig, showing unwavering support.

As the gunfire subsided, Chapman barricaded himself inside his apartment, triggering an hours-long standoff that transformed the sleepy apartment complex into a scene of high-stakes drama. SWAT teams from multiple Northern Kentucky agencies swarmed the area, evacuating nearby residents and ordering local businesses to shelter in place. Negotiators repeatedly attempted to contact Chapman, but he remained uncooperative, refusing to communicate. In a tactical move, SWAT deployed gas canisters through the apartment windows, hoping to force him out. When there was no response, a drone was sent into the residence, navigating to an upstairs bedroom where it captured a chilling sight: Chapman, unresponsive, with a firearm nearby, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Boone County Coroner’s Office officially identified Chapman as the suspect, piecing together the tragic end to the confrontation. Investigators are now examining videos reportedly posted by Chapman during the standoff, though details of their content remain undisclosed. Court records paint a picture of a man with a troubled history, including prior charges dating back to 2009 for violating a protection order, resisting arrest, harassment, and aggravated assault. In 2011 and 2014, Chapman faced charges of flagrant non-support, the same issue tied to the warrant that brought deputies to his door.

The community of Walton was left reeling. Neighbors, shaken by the sound of gunshots and the lingering smell of tear gas, recounted their fear and disbelief. One resident, who captured video of the deputies breaching Chapman’s door moments before the gunfire erupted, described the chaos: “They were beating on the door, telling him to come out. Next thing I knew, I heard two gunshots, and I ran back to my house.” Another neighbor, accustomed to seeing warrants served, said, “I’ve seen other warrants executed, but it’s never been this dramatic. The last thing I expected was gunshots.”

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear took to social media on Friday morning, expressing gratitude for the first responders and urging the public to pray for the deputies’ recovery. “Britainy and I are praying for the two Boone County Sheriff’s deputies who were shot last night while on duty,” he wrote. “Thank you to every member of law enforcement who worked to protect the Walton community.” A joint statement from Kentucky Representatives Kim Banta, Steve Doan, Mark Hart, Savannah Maddox, Marianne Proctor, TJ Roberts, and Senators Steve Rawlings and Gex Williams echoed the sentiment, praising the deputies’ courage and selflessness. Attorney General Russell Coleman also pledged support, stating his office was in contact with Northern Kentucky law enforcement to provide any needed assistance.

As the investigation continues, authorities have confirmed no other deputies or residents were injured, and the scene was declared clear by 12:55 a.m. on Friday. The Boone County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to contact them at 859-334-2175 or via email at [email protected]. For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the two deputies, whose bravery in the face of danger has left an indelible mark on a community forever changed by one violent night.

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