Coroner identifies armed intruder shot, killed by Georgetown police

The Scott County Coroner has identified a man shot and killed by a Georgetown police officer.

The coroner says Joel Pflum, 32, died from a gunshot wound to the upper torso.

Police told WKYT's Matthew Rand Pflum forced his way into a home on Echo Path around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.

When police arrived, they said Pflum was armed with two handguns.

There was a confrontation and when the suspect pointed his gun toward the officer, he was fatally shot by the officer, Georgetown Police Chief Mike Bosse said.

"The preliminary investigation indicates that the officers responded appropriately and that the use of force was justified, and we have every reason to believe that the actions of the officers saved the lives of at least two Georgetown citizens," Bosse said.

A woman was inside the home at the time of the shooting. Bosse said the intruder was her ex-husband.

Another man was inside the home when the suspect broke in. He ran out the back of the home, Bosse said. The intruder searched the home looking for that man. A child slept through the entire ordeal, Bosse said.

Police say that male resident was able to get outside and call 911, while the suspect's ex-wife also secretly called for help.

“The parties had made police reports in the past indicating their concerns with this individual’s behavior and their safety,” Bosse said. "An EPO was attempted in another county but it was denied.”

In addition to two guns, Bosse said the suspect had four extra magazines and two hunting knives on him, along with an AR-15 and more magazines in his car.

The officer involved in the shooting is on administrative leave.