1 dead, 1 injured following reported shooting in Clay County

MANCHESTER, Ky. – One man is dead and another is injured after a reported shooting in Clay County.

According to the Kentucky State Police, troopers received a call around 9 p.m. CST on Aug. 15 regarding a shooting incident on Arnetts Fork Road.

Authorities say a preliminary investigation determined 55-year-old James Lawson and 36-year-old Jeremy Petrey, both of Big Creek, got into a verbal argument in front of Petrey’s home.

Troopers say the argument “escalated,” and gunfire was exchanged between both individuals. Petrey and Lawson were struck by gunfire, and Lawson left the scene in a vehicle, authorities say.

Authorities say Lawson was located by police in his vehicle a short distance from the scene. Troopers say he was unresponsive, and although life-saving measures were attempted, they were unsuccessful.

Lawson was pronounced dead on scene by the Clay County Coroner’s Office.

Petrey sustained minor injuries but declined treatment, troopers say.

This investigation remains ongoing.