Justice Words @justicewords.bsky.social

Police killed one of their own, their K9 handler, at his home in mental health crisis on 7/3/2026. Name: Dustin Zink Age: 37 Gender: Male Race: White Date: 07/03/2026 Location: 8600 block of Lely Court City: Florence County: Boone State: Kentucky Agency: Boone County Sheriff's Office Officer(s): Not Disclosed Cause of Death: Gunshot Event: Killed by Boone County sheriff's deputies during domestic violence confrontation involving off-duty police officer On July 3, 2026, at approximately 9 p.m., Boone County sheriff's deputies responded to a domestic violence complaint involving reported gunfire at a residence on Lely Court. Deputies encountered Dustin Zink, 37, an off-duty Florence police officer who had served with the department since 2017 and worked as a K-9 handler. Kentucky State Police alleged that Zink displayed a firearm and threatened to harm himself and others. Deputies attempted negotiations, during which Zink allegedly discharged his weapon multiple times. Four sheriff's deputies subsequently fired their service weapons, striking him. Neighbors described a large police deployment involving approximately 15–20 patrol vehicles, SWAT personnel, and a drone, with additional gunfire heard around 11 p.m. Zink was transported to St. Elizabeth Healthcare Edgewood Hospital, where he died. The four deputies were placed on paid administrative leave, and Kentucky State Police assumed responsibility for the investigation. Some deputies reportedly knew Zink personally through their work with the Florence Police Department. The number of rounds fired by police, the circumstances of the domestic violence complaint, and the identities of the deputies were not established in the reporting reviewed. SOURCE LINKS: kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/n… kentucky.com/news/local/crim… kentucky.com/news/local/crim… fox19.com/2026/07/04/man-die… aol.com/articles/boone-count…