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Man who shot Covington Police officer charged with attempted murder, assault, wanton endangerment


NKyTribune staff

The Kenton County Grand Jury has indicted Brad Anthony Williams, 41, for Attempted Murder, Assault 2nd Degree, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon, and three counts of 1st Degree Wanton Endangerment. Williams is also subject to enhanced sentencing as a 1st Degree Persistent Felony Offender. If convicted as charged, Williams faces 20-50 years or life in prison.

Williams

The charges stem from February 24, 2018 when Covington Police responded to 4516 Decoursey  for a subject who had been shot in the ear. According to the arrest affidavit signed by Detective Isaac Waters, when officers were clearing the residence, Williams opened fire on Officer Jared Habermehl with a semi-automatic rifle, striking Habermehl in his Tazer.

While securing the residence, the police report indicates Williams, of Elsmere, opened fire as an officer entered a rear bedroom. Williams reportedly fired several rounds at Habermehl with a semi-automatic rifle, one of which went through the officer’s Tazer and lodged in his duty belt.

The report states Williams appeared again in a bedroom doorway, wearing what was described as camouflaged body armor and a motorcycle helmet. Officers fired on Williams, striking him several times.

Officer Habermehl could have been seriously injured or killed, if not for the utility belt, because the bullet struck below his ballistic vest, according to the report.

Williams was transported to UC Medical Center for treatment of his  injuries. He was extradited back to Kentucky on March 15, 2018 and remains in the Kenton County Detention Center on a $1 million bond.

The report states witnesses identified Williams as the man who shot the original victim in the ear, using the same rifle.

According to the report, Williams has prior felony convictions for Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon, Assault Under Extreme Emotional Disturbance, Theft and Criminal Mischief. He was still being supervised by the Department of Corrections in March, 2013, which allows for the enhanced sentencing as a Persistent Felony Offender First Degree.

The case is being investigated by the Kentucky State Police and prosecuted by Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders. Williams is scheduled for arraignment before Kenton Circuit Judge Kathleen Lape on April 3, 2018 at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 6B.

An indictment is only a charge and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.


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