Trial postponed until Thursday for man accused of shooting officer

Trial was delayed by a few days Monday for the man accused of shooting Hopkinsville Police Officer Jeremy Davidson following a pursuit in February of 2019.

Thirty-year-old Keith Kuzyk had been set to stand trial Monday morning on charges of attempted murder, first-degree assault, fleeing or evading police, wanton endangerment and felony auto theft.

Kuzyk’s attorneys asked for a continuance, noting they just received a large amount of medical information in the last few days and Circuit Judge John Atkins agreed to reschedule trial for Thursday morning.

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 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.