It’s unclear if Storz, who appeared via video with multiple bruises and cuts on his face, has an attorney. The judge said he would appoint a public defender to represent him at future hearings.
Deputies Thursday afternoon were serving a warrant in connection with a domestic violence incident in Allen Township when Storz opened fire, Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt told reporters after the hearing.
“They were met with … absolute hell when they arrived. They didn’t stand a chance,” the sheriff said, later adding that deputies hadn’t even made contact with the shooting suspect when the shooting began.
The shooter appeared to have a plan and “executed that plan pretty much exactly,” Hunt said. The sheriff said it took several hours to figure out where the gunman was shooting from.
“(The suspect) was a pure terrorist … he was just a terrorist on a mission,” the sheriff said.
The Sheriff’s Office identified the slain officers as Floyd County Deputy William Petry and Prestonsburg Police Capt. Ralph Frasure. On Friday, the Prestonsburg Police Department said officer and dog handler Jacob R. Chaffins was also killed.
In a Facebook post, Prestonsburg Mayor Les Stapleton wrote that the city “wants to thank everyone for the show of support and social outpouring of love.” He continued, “We have lost a longtime friend and 39-year veteran of Floyd County law enforcement, Ralph Frasure, who leaves behind so many loved ones.” Prestonsburg police released a statement in a Facebook post following Chaffins’ murder.
“You spent your short time on this earth serving the citizens of Prestonsburg and the Commonwealth as an EMT, Firefighter and Police Officer. You dedicated yourself to the safety of our country as a brave soldier,” the department wrote.
A preliminary investigation conducted by the Kentucky State Police also indicated that a police dog struck by stray bullets died as a result of those injuries.
Four peace officers and a civilian were initially reported injured by state police. Three of the officers — one of whom was Chaffins — were hospitalized, with one in critical condition and the other two in stable condition.
The fourth officer was treated and released. State police said the man remains hospitalized.
Floyd County District Attorney Keith Bartley said Friday morning: “These are people. They’re people with kids, spouses, moms and dads, their world will never be the same.”
The sheriff said a deputy who took cover under a patrol vehicle ended up with carbon monoxide poisoning.
“Other officers were injured in other ways, either trying to get to some kind of position or to get out of position.” Hunt said.
Deputies were eventually able to negotiate with Storz, with the help of his family, after nearly six hours of active shooting, officials said.
Bartley said “substantially more” charges are forthcoming. The initial “charges were made in the middle of a war zone basically.”
Storz, who is in the Pike County Jail, is next in court for a preliminary hearing on July 11 at 1:30 p.m.
Officials said Storz used multiple firearms in the attack on law enforcement.
“Floyd County and our brave first responders suffered a tragic loss last night. I want to ask all of Kentucky to join me in praying for this community. This is a difficult morning for our commonwealth,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Bessier on a Twitter. after Friday.
CNN’s Andi Babineau, Michelle Watson and Sharif Paget contributed to this report.
