A Princeton man is dead after being shot this morning by Princeton's police chief in an apparent bank robbery attempt. Kentucky State Police are investigating the shooting.
At approximately 8:52 a.m. today, KSP Post 2 in Madisonville was contacted by the Princeton Police Department in reference to an officer-involved shooting that occurred at Planters Bank located at 208 N. Jefferson St. in Princeton.
Shortly after the bank opened, a lone suspect entered the bank wearing a stocking over his face and armed with a handgun. Princeton Police Chief Don Weedman was inside the bank and confronted the suspect. Chief Weedman instructed the suspect to relinquish his weapon; however, the suspect ignored the chief’s verbal commands, turned towards the chief and discharged his weapon. The chief returned fire and struck the suspect, fatally wounding him.
Caldwell County Coroner Dewayne Trafford pronounced the suspect dead at the scene. Chief Weedman was not injured, and no other injuries were reported.
The suspect was identified as James E. Hamm, 67, of Princeton. An autopsy was performed today at the state medical examiner’s office in Madisonville. The preliminary results indicate that Hamm died of multiple gunshot wounds.
Chief Weedman has been placed on paid, administration leave.
KSP Sergeant Derek Smith is continuing the investigation.
KSP Post 2 units, Princeton Police Department, Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department and the Caldwell County Coroner’s Office assisted at the scene.
