Trial date set for man accused of shooting officer

A trial date was set Wednesday morning for Keith Kuzyk, who is accused of shooting Hopkinsville Police Officer Jeremy Davidson at the end of a February, 2019 vehicle pursuit.

Rick Sandborn represents Kuzyk and told Judge John Atkins during a hearing Wednesday that he hasn’t received any plea offers that are agreeable and Kuzyk wants to go to trial as soon as possible.

He also requested that he be allowed to meet with Kuzyk in person to review video evidence in the case and the judge says that shouldn’t be a problem as more restrictions are released.

Judge Atkins scheduled trial for September 13, 14 and 16.

Kuzyk pled guilty on August 20 of last year in U.S. District Court to carjacking, use and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  That plea deal came with an 18-year prison sentence.

As part of that deal, Kuzyk admitted to taking a 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe by force at the Walmart Supercenter on Clinic Drive. He also admitted to using a gun to commit the carjacking.

A pair of vehicle pursuits ensued following the vehicle theft and Kuzyk allegedly shot Officer Davidson on the arm and head at the end of a pursuit near the intersection of North Drive and Sanderson Drive.

Kuzyk was arrested the next morning after allegedly stealing another automobile in Hopkinsville and then leading police in Montgomery County in a pursuit.

Officer Davidson has since recovered and returned to duty at HPD.