The case ignited a furor among some who charged that the shooting was another example of an improper response by an insensitive police force. Public scrutiny of the case has been rekindled since police Chief Gene Sherrard was fired earlier this month, in part for his decision to include Kinkade and Horn among the department officers awarded medals of valor at an annual ceremony. The special prosecutor also interviewed two other police eyewitnesses, Detective Scott Perry and Officer Rodney Freeman. The accounts of the four officers differ on details, such as where each was standing, but all of the officers said the shooting began after Rudolph had freed the Blazer and they thought they were in danger of being run over. Under Kentucky law, police officers are allowed to use deadly force if they believe their lives or the lives of others are in danger.
Police consider a motor vehicle a deadly weapon under some circumstances.
Ron Ricucci said. Jan Waddell, an attorney for Rudolph's parents, said he still believes the officers acted improperly, but he couldn't comment in detail because he hasn't seen King's files. Just because they're all saying the same thing doesn't mean it's necessarily true. . . . You know how they stick together whether they're right or wrong. Perry called for backup after receiving confirmation the Blazer was stolen.