A Bell County Deputy was involved in a shooting Saturday evening in the Fonde community. 

The Kentucky State Police Harlan Post was called to assist just after 8 p.m. and the initial investigation indicates that Deputy Adam Southern was responding to a call when he observed a male that was later identified as Gary Partin, 57, of Frakes, operating an ATV on the roadway. 

Southern attempted to make a traffic stop and Partin failed to stop and continued traveling west. 

During the incident, Partin brandished a firearm, causing Southern to discharge his weapon and fatally struck Partin. Bell County Deputy Coroner, Jason Steele responded and pronounced Part deceased at the scene. The body will be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Officer in Frankfort for an autopsy. 

Bell County Sheriff Mitch Williams released a statement in regards to the incident Monday. 

“Bell County Deputy Adam Southern was involved in an officer-involved shooting on the night of Saturday, May 23 in the Fonde community,” Williams explained. “Per our department protocol, Kentucky State Police Post 10 was requested to investigate this use of force. Deputy Southern has been placed on administrative leave during this investigation per our department’s policy. No further comment will be issued as this is an ongoing investigation.” 

KSP will release more information, as it becomes available. The case remains under investigation by KSP. Also assisting at the scene was Bell County Coroner, Bell County Sheriff’s Department and Bell County EMS.