Covington Police officer, man hospitalized after shooting in Newport

NEWPORT, Ky. — A Covington Police officer and one man have been hospitalized after a shooting in Newport, Chief Robert Nader confirmed Monday evening.

Covington Police received a call for a man brandishing a handgun at a local restaurant around 6:20 p.m., and police initiated a traffic stop as the vehicle crossed into Newport. Once his vehicle stopped, the suspect fired at police, and officers returned fire.

Both the officer and the suspect were transported to UC Medical Center for gunshot wounds. The officer, who was shot in the arm, is expected to recover, Nader said.

"It's very stressful. We're all worried about our officer," Nader said. "Anytime a shooting or any kind of serious injuries, a car wreck or anything, it is stressful. We're just hoping everything works out for the best. We're keeping our prayers and thoughts and hoping everybody does the same for us."

Kentucky State Police are taking over the investigation, Nader said. KSP confirmed late Monday night that the suspect's injuries are also not life-threatening.

"This area usually doesn't have any bad commotion going on," Covington resident Christine Barlow said. "I ride around here all the time."

She was riding her bike near West Fifth Avenue in Newport around the time of the shooting.

"I just heard a couple of shots going off," Barlow said. "The next thing I know, there was a police officer running this way, all the police officers were coming."

Multiple police agencies are still at the scene at the Victoria Square Apartments near the intersection of West Fifth Street and Central Avenue in Newport Monday night. Police tape blocked off several entrances to the complex.

Police have not released the suspect's identity.

The investigation is being led by the KSP Critical incident response team and the Dry Ridge Post.