Officer Released From Hospital

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Posted: 7:10 AM Oct 30, 2008
Last Updated: 4:48 PM Oct 31, 2008
Reporter: Angela Sparkman
Email Address: angela.sparkman@wymtnews.com

40 comments

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Update: Friday, October 31st

A Floyd County police officer who was attacked with a knife, is out of the hospital.

Officials say Martin Police Sergeant Brian Ratliff and State Police Trooper Isaac Whitaker were responding to a disturbance call when they were attacked. They say 38 year old James Rederick came at them with a knife, cutting Ratliff on the throat. Officers say they fired at Rederick in self defense.

Whitaker is on administrative leave, pending the outcome of an investigation.

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A man is dead and an eastern Kentucky police officer recovers from stab wounds.

Investigators are shedding light on what happened overnight in Floyd County.

Investigators say James Rederick lunged at a state trooper and a Martin Police sergeant with a knife.

That's when both officers shot at Rederick.

The incident has some neighbors on edge.

Martin City Police say callers reported a man throwing rocks at cars by the Pepry Apartments.

Police went to check it out and that's when the man attacked them.

Brenda Hall says she was asleep in her apartment and didn't know any thing was wrong until she heard gunshots.

“We woke to a bang. That's the only thing a large bang. Didn't realize what it was. Sat up in bed and saw all of the flashing lights,” Brenda Hall said.

She says police were at her next door neighbor's.

“We could hear them yell and tell somebody to get on the ground,” Hall said.

Police say the man, 38-year-old James Rederick, stabbed Martin City Police Sergeant Brian Ratliff in the neck.

Then both Ratliff and Trooper Isaac Whitacker, shot him.

Police say Rederick was in his doorway when the officers approached him.

After the shooting, Rederick died and Sergeant Ratliff is expected to survive.

According to police, Rederick has a criminal history, but do not know why he stabbed the officer.

Hall says he acted agitated the last few days.

Hall says she does not know if she'll be able to sleep tonight.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: both sides Location: floyd county on Nov 10, 2008 at 06:50 PM
MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE 2 OFFICERS INVOLVED ..I HOPE THEY BOTH CAN DEAL WITH THE PAIN AND SUUFERING THEY ARE GOING THROUGH ...BUT,IN CASE MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THE YOUNG MAN THAT WAS KILLED BY THESE 2 OFFICERS IS THE SON OF A RETIRED KY STATE TROOPER ....AND MY HEART TRULY GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY ....PEOPLE NEED TO WALK IN OTHERS SHOES BEFORE LYING JUDGEMENT ON ONE ANOTHER..BUT GOD IS TO MAKE JUDGEMENT NOT THE PEOPLE OF THE PUBLIC...

Posted by: floyd co mom Location: prestonsburg on Nov 7, 2008 at 04:53 PM
this is a crock..if it were a police officer or his son that was killed in cold blood someone would be in jail.but this is floyd co and we the people here know that it is who you know in the court house that gets you by with a crime here..if that were my son they killed i would head straight to frankfort ky..if he would have robbed a bank they would never had killed him.they would have made sure he went to prison.and they say the officers may need conseling ..shhh they will never lose a min sleep.this is there way of getting by with it..but once again this is floyd co..i would go to my grave to see that they paid for my sons death.to the family that loss there son..my heart goes out to you all.they would have to kill me like they did him if that were my son.get a lawyer out of this area.make them suffer like he did..but beleave this they will get by with it cause there in floyd co..

Posted by: Friend Location: Floyd Co. on Nov 3, 2008 at 11:22 AM
To the former Officer: Since you are a former officer then you couldn't have either of them as a partner. I guess you can see the future and would have know you were about to get cut. You weren't there so do not judge them without knowing the exact details of what went on in that situation. DON'T judge until you've been there and in their shoes. BTW why are you a former officer.

Posted by: Just a girl Location: KY on Nov 3, 2008 at 10:24 AM
My mouth literally fell open when I read the comment by Former Officer that was made on 11/2. Are you serious?? Just...wow. Where you fired from your job? Is that why there's so much hate behind your comment? I find it hard to believe you were an officer and yet you have such a low opinion for your brothers and their actions.

Posted by: k Location: martin on Nov 3, 2008 at 10:16 AM
To former officer guess you dont remember your training if you had any. Reaction time, or did you atend class that day/

Posted by: concerned girl Location: maytown area on Nov 3, 2008 at 06:39 AM
Dear Concerned: Do you have adequate training to do your job? Should we investigate your situation? Can you adequately judge and defuse a situation with a knife at your throat? Can you cast the first stone? On this day botgh officers had a Guardian Angel on their shoulder. Our families heart goes our to the poor man that lost his life. I have know Brian for most of his life. He has been a community service worker for most of his life and have been with him during many trials and tribulations during that life. He is a very compassinate person who has touched many lives which has had positive effect on many people. He may seem hard nosed to some of you but he is a very compassonate person. He will go anywhere when called upon, no matter what the situation. He will keep his feelings to himself and do his job the way he has been taught and trained(just like all law enforcement are) with out letting his feeling get in the way. Brian did what he had to do to save and protect lives.

Posted by: Former Officer Location: Ky on Nov 2, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Both should be suspended six months for allowing an idiot to cut one of them in the first place. When the knife came out, bullets should have to! I for one would not want either one of them for a partner. I figure I would live longer.

Posted by: Current coworker Location: Martin on Nov 2, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Dear Former Co-Worker.. You're right. Anyone who knows Sgt. Ratliff knows exactly what kind of person he is... He is kind, caring, empathetic, would do ANYTHING for ANYONE, never hesitates to go to a call even when he isn't on duty. You should think twice before you say anything negative about such a wonderful police officer. You may need him someday. I am so thankful that Trooper Whitaker and Sgt. Ratliff came out of this okay. My heart and prayers are with Mr. Rederick's family.

Posted by: Firefighter/EMT Location: FLOYD CO. on Nov 2, 2008 at 02:01 PM
First thing my thoughts and prayers are with all parties involved in this tragic situation. I've known Sgt. Ratliff for more 20 years. I've worked with him in Firefighting,EMS, and Law enforcement. His training was conducted by the same people who train most of the law enforcement officers in this state. If his training is not adequate then no officers train is. Both Sgt. Ratliff and Tpr. Whitaker were only doing their jobs. Their lives were in danger and they reponded exactly how they were trained. It is tragic that Mr. Rederick had to die but, he did attack both officers with deadly force and they only had seconds to respond in the situation to protect their own lives and possibly lives of others. Guys if you are reading this you done the only thing you could do in that every so tragic situation. May GOD bless both of you and your families. Thoughts and prayers are also with the Rederick family. Brian and Isaac God speed with your recoveries.

Posted by: Floyd Co. Paramedic Location: Floyd co. on Nov 2, 2008 at 01:11 PM
These officers were doing their job. Brian is a very good cop I have worked numerous scenes with him & he knows his job & does it very well. This man attacked him with intent to kill. You don't stab someone in the neck & not mean to kill.What if that had been some innocent person without a gun he attacked. They wouldn't have stood a chance. Brian put his life on the line to protect the community & did what he had to do to save his own life. God bless Brian & Trooper Whitaker, & the Rederick family.

Posted by: fireman Location: martin on Nov 2, 2008 at 11:59 AM
sounds to me like its just someone who is just jealous of the two probably because they know they havent got what it takes to be a actully police officer instead of a pen pusher back stabber like this guy is and I hope for the best for these two men they are great and Id trust ratliff with my life and most that know him would say the same. Its just you have some who want to sit back and make comments about training when actully if you checked they havent got enough sense to do thier job or it wouldnt be up for grabs right now would it be ??

Posted by: Tackett Location: Floyd Co. on Nov 2, 2008 at 02:16 AM
Yes, Sgt. Ratliff does indeed have adequate training. I know this to be a fact. He also has years of experience and good judgement in critical situations. This rumor of inadequate training is just that, a rumor.

Posted by: Fireman Location: martin ky on Nov 2, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Truth be told this guy doesnt have the training thats he needs for the job he does either and if hes a man then he/ll tell ratliff to his face instaed to everybody else but we all know this guy is not a man hes a suck at his job..... Ratliff and Trooper are very trained and they knew what they had to do that night to protect themselves and others from this sitution so hang in there guys and dont pay any attention to spineless people like the one who wrote that other comment.There is two sides to every story and Im sure if they go investigate where this guy works then he'll keep his mouth shut

Posted by: Close friend Location: Floyd County on Nov 1, 2008 at 11:20 PM
The fact that Brian makes only 7/hour is not an issue. I don't know anybody who would stand there and get stabbed and not shoot back. As for the KSP Trooper he was doing what he was trained for just like Brian. I would hope that if I were in danger these officers would be there for me or my family. I am sad that this young man had to die. But these officers who are there to protect us did what they had to do. May God Bless these officers, their families and the family of the young man shot.

Posted by: DARREL HALL Location: wheel rite on Nov 1, 2008 at 10:51 PM
this sounds like sum thing like the barney fives will do an you think that this was delmas johnson an gary taccket would do they are floyd countys best with a badge

Posted by: k Location: martin on Nov 1, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Dear former co-worker, sounds like you have a little itch, over something, 7/hr. is better than food stamps, guess things in the south end of the county have gotten better. Oh I forgot how many have been fired and charged with infractions of the law????

Posted by: family Location: martin on Nov 1, 2008 at 03:14 PM
There are two sides to every story. Only one side is being told so far. Ratliff does not have adequate training. He just got fired from his previous job

Posted by: agnes Location: lexington on Nov 1, 2008 at 11:43 AM
my prayers are with all three families involved in this tradgedy

Posted by: KIM Location: GRAYSON on Nov 1, 2008 at 05:58 AM
CONCERNED, HOW CAN YOU BE SO CRAZY? I'M NOT A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER BUT EITHER WAY IF SOMEONE TRIES OR DOES HURT ME I'LL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO PROTECT MYSELF AND IT WON'T MATTER IF IT'S YOUR FAMILY OR MINE THAT IS TRYING TO HURT ME OR WHAT THEIR PROBLEM IS. I HAVE NO DESIRE TO KILL ANYONE AS I'M SURE THESE OFFICERS DIDN'T START THEIR SHIFT PLANNING TO KILL SOMEONE THAT NIGHT. UNFORTUNATELY THAT'S PART OF THE JOB. IT COULD HAPPEN ANY AND EVERY DAY. GOD BLESS THE OFFICERS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND HELP THEM THROUGH THIS AND GOD BLESS THE REDERICK FAMILY IN THEIR LOSS. IT'S A BAD SITUATION FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED.

Posted by: Close Friend Location: Floyd Co. on Oct 31, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Thanks to the state trooper that saved Brian's life. Brian is a great guy and I think that God had you 2 guys in the same place at the same time to support each other. Keep up the team work. I hope to see you guys back to work soon.. My prayers go out to the Redrick family.

Posted by: Friend Location: Martin on Oct 31, 2008 at 06:38 PM
I personally know both officers and work with them on a daily basis. I understand that both officers are struggling mentally with the deed that they both hoped would never happen to them- take another's life. I just wish folks would understand the outstanding guys both these men are. I have seen great care and compassion from both men to sensitive situations and I am certain they tried every effort to "diffuse the situtation" before these extreme measures were taken. As one other said, I would trust my life in either of these guys' hands and am glad to know that they are 2 of many officers who would sacrifice their life for me if necessary. I just hope and prayer that both officers recover fully and pray that this does not end their outstanding careers as officers, serving and protecting us citizens here in Floyd Co. To Anthony's family, my prayers are with you and I pray for comfort and strength for you during these times. May God Bless.

Posted by: Larry Location: McDowell on Oct 31, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Its not Ratliff's or KSP fault this man died, they don't determine who's sick,thats not their job,,,,,, protect the public, protect life,in this case a weapon was involved and a law enforcement were hurt. once he attacked with a knife,attemp on taking a life right there,they had no other choice, somebody had to go.

Posted by: k Location: martin on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Dear concerned. Too quick to shoot? is what you say. If someone just stuck a knife in your neck would it be too quick to shoot or would you wait for the person to stick you again. You may not understand how serious things like this are. Why dont we just pray for the Redrick family, and both of the officers, and that this never happens again.

Posted by: Just a girl Location: KY on Oct 31, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Rederick pulled a knife on two armed officers and successfully stabbed one in the neck- attempted murder right there. The officers were doing what they were trained to do, that's all. There was no time to "diffuse the situation" as someone said. Should the officers have been like, "Sir, please stop stabbing me in the neck"?? I mean, seriously. In this case, you can bet that people are defending the actions of the officers!

Posted by: Floyd Co Paramedic Location: Pike Co. on Oct 31, 2008 at 08:55 AM
I know both Officers involved in this incident, and I would and do trust them with my life. Brian hope your ok. God Bless both of you!

Posted by: Greta Location: Prestonsburg on Oct 31, 2008 at 07:42 AM
My prayers go out to Brian and Susan.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 31, 2008 at 07:34 AM
Its never a good idea to bring a knife to gun fight.Sounds like the guy was sick!

Posted by: friend Location: somewhere ky on Oct 31, 2008 at 01:27 AM
I hope everything is ok with Brian. He is a great guy and kept martin safe.

Posted by: Martin Location: Martin, Ky on Oct 30, 2008 at 11:48 PM
We all wish the best for brian and the state cop... As for the family of the man who was killed...May god be with u in your time of sorrow..

Posted by: Sherry Location: Muhlenberg County on Oct 30, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Issac is my younger brother and a great guy to be around. I grew up with him and I know the type of person he is. He was in a bad situation, that could have happened to anyone and I believe he did the right thing in defending his life and saving the life of another officer. Your in our thoughts and prayers brother.

Posted by: 1988achs Location: martin on Oct 30, 2008 at 08:41 PM
The guy who was killed was a classmate of mine. God be with his family...and the pain they are going through,and God bless the cops involved..they have to do their jobs no matter how difficult the situation. May God be with the families of all those involved. It's sad to see a life lost of one of my classmates. Rest In Peace Anthony...you will be missed.

Posted by: Lisa Location: Florence on Oct 30, 2008 at 06:46 PM
My prayers are with all families touched by this tragedy

Posted by: A PARENT THAT UNDERSTANDS Location: FLOYD on Oct 30, 2008 at 06:38 PM
yOU SHOULD THINK THIS MIGHT HAVE BEEN MY CHILD WHO WAS KILLED. THE POLICE WERE DOING THERE JOB, BUT SOMEONE CHILD IS DEAD. WE DON'T KNOW IF HE HAD A PROBLEM WITH HIS HEALTH. SO THINK HE COULD HAVE BEEN MY CHILD. WE HAVE BEEN IN THIS PARENTS SHOES.

Posted by: Jay on Oct 30, 2008 at 06:23 PM
It's a tragedy that such a troubled man had to loose his life when he needed help. However the law enforcement officers had no other choice to defend themselves. I wish it could have been resolved without violence being brought onto those officers but thats the nature of their jobs. I come from a long line of a law enforcement family and it's sad, but when these brave men and women go to work everyday, they may not live to see the end of their shift. Thank god the KSP had a trooper with Sgt. Ratliff because if he had been by himself he could have very easily lost his life too. I think that the state needs to mandate that a police officer can't work by their self. In eastern Ky small cities and even fairly larger towns and counties have cops out by themselves working shifts. The cities and counties try to save money, but NO cop should have to be out at ANYTIME by themselves. It's sad to say, but when cops get killed, maybe chiefs, sheriffs, mayors and judges will finally see the picture

Posted by: CONCERNED Location: FLOYD CO on Oct 30, 2008 at 05:34 PM
EVERYONE IS PROTECTING THE POLICE, BUT I FEEL THEY ARE TO QUICK TO SHOOT AND ASK QUESTIONS AFTER EVERY THING HAS HAPPENED. THEY SHOULD TRY TO DIFFUSE THE SITUATION BEFORE SHOOTING. HE MAY HAVE BEEN A TROUBLED YOUNG MAN AND NEEDED HELP BUT INSTEAD OF THAT THEY KILLED HIM. THIS YOUNG MAN HAD A FAMILY THAT LOVED HIM AND NOW THEY HAVE LOST THEIR SON, MY PRAYERS ARE FOR THE FAMILY OF THE SLAIN YOUNG MAN.

Posted by: concerned Location: martin on Oct 30, 2008 at 04:54 PM
we hope you're ok Brian!!

Posted by: J on Oct 30, 2008 at 03:50 PM
DORIS, IT IS ROUTINE FOR A TROOPER AFTER A SHOOTING WHERE SOMEONE IS KILLED. REGARDLESS OF THE SITUATION THE TROOPER AND BRIAN ARE PROBABLY A LITTLE SHOOK UP OVER IT.

Posted by: B.J. Location: Whitesburg on Oct 30, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Maybe the next time you want to criticize a state police, you'll think about this. They put their lives on the line every day for our safey and protection. I don't know many of us who can say that. They are over-worked and underpaid and deserve nothing but our admiration and respect.

Posted by: anon Location: floyd on Oct 30, 2008 at 01:31 PM
I'VE KNOWN ANTHONY FOR YEARS, HE ALWAYS HAS BEEN ALITTLE OFF. I JUST HATE THIS FOR HIS MOM, SHE IS SUCH A GREAT PERSON SHE REALLY TRIED TO HELP HIM HIS WHOLE LIFE.

Posted by: Friend Location: Floyd Co. on Oct 30, 2008 at 01:12 PM
I know Whitaker and I know that he was only do his job!!! He shouldn't be on Administrative duty, he was just doing his job. And I am sure that if we would have been in his shoes we would have done the same thing. His life was in danger. Everyone Please keep Whitaker and Brian in your prayer's along with all the other Troopers out there...

Posted by: Lisa Location: Prestonsburg on Oct 30, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Sgt. Ratliff and Trooper Whitaker are two very good men and officers. I am sorry to hear about someone passing away but these officers were doing their job.

Posted by: Bill Location: Floyd co. on Oct 30, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I know Sgt Ratliff personally and worked with him..Hes a fine officer and wouldent have fired unless absolutly nessasary..The state police policy is standard..They always give paid admin. leave during the investigation..Issac will see no trouble over it..Just standard procedure...

Posted by: The reason why on Oct 30, 2008 at 11:23 AM
The reason Troopers are placed on leave with pay after that are involved in a shooting is because that officer needs time to deal with the emotions involved in having to take a human life. It should not be perceived as a punishment in anyway that time is needed to decompress after being involved in such an incident.

Posted by: trooper mom Location: perry co on Oct 30, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Taking a life is the last thing a Trooper wants to do so I would think that putting them on leave would give them some time to come to terms with their situation. My thoughts and prayers to everyone involved especially our men and women of the KSP.

Posted by: Sara Location: Highland Heights on Oct 30, 2008 at 10:24 AM
God bless everyone in this situation! Troopers have to make such hard decisions in order to come home to their families and to keep people in general, and other officers as well, safe. God bless you for the job you do, but also God bless this family also!

Posted by: former co-worker Location: prestonsburg on Oct 30, 2008 at 10:21 AM
They better look into this really close. Anybody that knows Brian Ratliff knows how he is. But that what you end up with when you try to have a $7/hour police force. It is true, you get what you pay for.

Posted by: Just a girl Location: KY on Oct 30, 2008 at 09:49 AM
I'm sure Trooper Whitaker will only be on administrative duty temporarily until he's able to return to the road. Taking a life can take quite an emotional toll on someone. I'm sure he can use a few days to clear his head. With that said, to both agencies, good job guys!

Posted by: Jessica Location: Ligon on Oct 30, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Everyone please pray for Isaac in this situation. He is such a great guy.

Posted by: Thank Location: God on Oct 30, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Once again, You attack the State Police with a weapon, Your boots will be hung in the closet my friends.. What a goon.

Posted by: Doris Location: Knott on Oct 30, 2008 at 08:40 AM
I just don't understand how they can put a State Trooper on administrative duty for defending his life a fellow workers life and the life of a citizen. I really wish they would let the troopers do their jobs. God Bless our troopers and their families. God Bless the family of the guy who died.

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