Kentucky State Police have released more information about the fatal officer involved shooting in Marshall County that took the life of Calloway County Sheriff’s Deputy Jody Cash in May.
According to a news release, investigation determined that officers with the Marshall County Special response team had taken 30-year-old Gary Rowland of Murray into custody on strength of multiple warrants and transported him to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office for interviewing. During the interviewing process, Rowland reportedly asked to be allowed outside to smoke a cigarette, and Deputy Cash and another officer escorted him outside to do so.
Once outside, Rowland pulled a handgun that had been hidden on his person, and fired it in the direction Deputy Cash, striking him. Other officers on scene returned fire, striking Rowland. After attempting life saving measures, both Deputy Cash and Rowland were transported to a local hospital, where they were pronounced deceased.
The two other deputies involved were placed on administrative leave, pending the investigation.
Chief Deputy Jody Cash was a 22-year law enforcement veteran and had served with the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office since 2020. During his career, he served eight years with the Kentucky State Police retiring in 2018 at the rank of Sergeant, six years at the Murray State University Police Department, achieving the rank of Assistant Chief, and six years at the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office.