Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder

At approximately 10:20 p.m. Sunday, Trooper Ponder was conducting a traffic stop on I-24 in western Kentucky. Discovering that the driver had a suspended license, that there were small children in the vehicle, and no other adult occupants had valid licenses, Trooper Ponder attempted to find lodging while they waited for someone to come pick them up. As he sat in his car making the arrangements, the driver suddenly drove away and Trooper Ponder gave chase.

During the chase, the suspect stopped abruptly, causing Trooper Ponder's vehicle to collide with the rear of the suspect's vehicle.

The driver then fired several shots into the Trooper's vehicle striking him multiple times. Trooper Ponder was transported to a local hospital where he died from his wounds shortly before midnight.

The suspect fled on foot and was found after an hours-long manhunt in a rural, wooded area. He was shot and killed when he refused to drop his weapon. The woman in the vehicle with the children was charged with 1st degree hindering prosecution or apprehension.

In addition to serving with the Kentucky State Police, Trooper Ponder was also a U.S. Navy veteran.