UPDATE: One Dead in Officer Involved Shooting in Florence

The incident took place at a home on Lely Court

Update published Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 10:05 AM:

On Friday, July 3, at approximately 11:40 PM, the Boone County Coroner’s Office responded to the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Emergency Department in Florence after receiving a report of an officer-involved shooting that had occurred earlier that night on Lely Court.

Upon arrival, the coroner located a 37-year-old white male who had sustained gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.

The decedent has been identified as Dustin Zink of Florence, Kentucky and the Florence Police Department. 

Florence Police issued the following statement: 

"Although Dustin was off duty at the time of this tragic incident, his commitment to serving others extended far beyond the uniform. He dedicated his career to protecting our community with honor, integrity, and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on the fellow officers and the citizens he served. While we cannot comment on the circumstances of this investigation, we believe one moment does not define a person.

Today, our department is grieving alongside Officer Zink's family, friends and loved ones. We ask our community to keep them, as well as the members of our department, in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."

Original story published Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 8:28 AM:

(Florence, Ky.) - Boone County Sheriff's deputies responded to an incident in the 8600 block of Lely Court in Florence late Friday night. 

At the residence, an officer involved shooting occurred, involving four Boone County Sheriff's deputies. 

None of the deputies involved were injured, but a suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Florence. The suspect was later pronounced deceased. 

The incident is being investigated by the Kentucky State Police. 

No further information has been released at this time.