Police say a lot of illegal activity was taking place in the Swiss Colony area of Laurel County. Late Thursday night…while looking for a suspect..they spotted a Suzuki Samauri with several visible violations..and they say it wouldn’t stop for them.

“They (those in the Suzuki) disregarded a traffic control device..a stop sign,” said Lt. Curtis O’Bannon with Kentucky State Police.

The chase went down Ky.1956…onto Falls City Road and then down a gravel and dirt road near the Daniel Boone Motorcross. Police say the driver, 35 year old James Ernest Goforth, wrecked his truck and ran. Deputy Richard Sapcut was among those in pursuit.

“He received a threat..and he acted by returning..firing his weapon,” said Lt. O’Bannon of Deputy Sapcut’s actions.

Goforth was shot and killed. Now his mother is asking why.

“I’ll be honest with you….they just told me that they shot him….no reason why,” said Peggy Goforth.

Police say they recovered a gun at the scene.

“That child did not own a gun..never packed a gun,” said Peggy Goforth.

Police won’t say where Goforth was shot or how many bullets were fired. Peggy Goforth believes the shooting wasn’t justified and is calling her son’s death an act of murder.

“I don’t know if I can forgive him or not, but I’m going to try. God says you have to forgive before he will forgive you,” she said.

Deputy Sapcut is on administrative leave until the investigation is over.