On Sunday morning, February 1, 2026, David Works, 62, was shot and killed by police outside his Sharpsburg Drive house in Independence, Kentucky. He allegedly made threats to hurt himself, prompting police to arrive. The altercation ended when he came out of his house with a gun.
Police said the incident began around 7:30 a.m. when Independence officers, joined by Kenton County police, arrived at the 10000 block of Sharpsburg Drive following a call from Works himself. According to Kentucky State Police, officers attempted to make contact with him, but a short time later he exited the home holding a gun.
Faced with the armed confrontation, officers discharged their weapons, striking Works. Emergency responders immediately attempted first aid, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team has taken over the investigation, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
Neighbors reported being startled by the heavy police presence and the sound of gunfire early that morning. The residential area of Sharpsburg Drive, typically quiet, was cordoned off as investigators worked to collect evidence and interview witnesses. Police confirmed that no other individuals were injured during the incident.
Authorities emphasized that the situation was initially treated as a welfare check, given Works’ threats of self-harm. The escalation to gunfire has raised questions about how such calls are handled and whether additional crisis intervention measures could have been employed. The investigation will review body camera footage and officer statements to determine the sequence of events.
For the Independence community, the death of David Works is a sobering reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health crises and law enforcement response. His passing has prompted discussions about the balance between public safety and compassionate intervention. As the investigation continues, officials have pledged transparency and accountability in releasing findings to the public.