DANVILLE, Ky. — A late-night call about a suicidal man armed with a knife ended in a deadly police-involved shooting at a Danville apartment complex, authorities confirmed. The incident happened around 9:37 p.m. on January 11, 2026, at the Center Estates apartments and is now under investigation by Kentucky State Police.
According to officials, Danville dispatch received a call reporting a man who was threatening to harm himself. The caller told dispatchers that the individual had claimed he was injuring himself and had sent pictures of his injuries through a social media platform. Police were immediately sent to the scene to check on the man’s safety and provide help.
When officers arrived at the apartment, they breached the door in an effort to render aid. While standing outside the residence, officers made contact with the man, later identified as 29-year-old Cody Downey. Police say Downey was armed with a knife, and officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon.
Authorities say Downey then exited the apartment and charged toward officers while still holding the knife. During the encounter, Downey reportedly knocked one officer to the ground. At that point, another officer discharged his service weapon, striking Downey in the chest.
Boyle County EMS responded to the scene and transported Downey to Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center for emergency treatment. Despite life-saving efforts, Downey died a short time later at the hospital. No officers were reported to have suffered serious injuries during the incident.
Police confirmed that officers’ body-worn cameras captured the encounter. The officer who fired the shot is a ten-year veteran of law enforcement and has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team has taken over the investigation to review the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force. As the investigation continues, officials say more information will be released when it becomes available.
