Kentucky Sheriff's Deputy Dies From Medical Emergency After Fight With Suspect

PAYNEVILLE, Kentucky -- A Meade County Sheriff's deputy died after suffering a medical emergency following a fight with a suspect Saturday night.

Deputy Chris Hulsey was issuing a search warrant around 6:20 p.m. in the 1200 block of Greer Road in Payneville when he observed the suspect throw a small container into the weeds that was later determined to be a metal film canister with two small bags of suspected methamphetamine, according to WAVE-TV.

While attempting to arrest the suspect, identified as 48-year-old Terry Gonterman, Hulsey engaged in a struggle with Gonterman as he attempted to place him in custody.

After the fight, Hulsey fell to the ground and appeared to have trouble breathing.

Two detectives on scene administered CPR until Hulsey was transported to Harrison County Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Gonterman has been charged with manslaughter, trafficking, assault and possessing drug paraphernalia.

“He was very much a dedicated public servant and that’s already been quite evident by the outpouring of support from the different branches of public safety as well as the community they recognize the service he gave the community,” Eric Johnson, the Executive Director of Supporting Heroes which has stepped in to assist Hulsey’s family.

Hulsey was a former member of the fire department, was working full time as a paramedic and was a volunteer sheriff’s deputy when he was called out to issue the search warrant .

Visitation and funeral arrangements are pending.