On the night of December 23, a police operation intended to recover stolen lawn equipment ended with the death of 63-year-old Douglas Harless at his home on Vanzant Road in Laurel County. Harless was shot and killed by an officer of the London Police Department during a search warrant execution that, according to dispatch logs, may have been served at the wrong address.
The case has raised serious concerns about procedural errors, law enforcement tactics and the lack of use of body cameras by London police officers.
Who stole the weed eater?
The chain of events began earlier that day when 49-year-old Hobert Buttery was arrested in Manchester on charges of theft. Police say Buttery confessed to stealing a weed eater and a heater from a property owned by Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield. The items had been stored in Westerfield’s garage for a tenant. Buttery claimed he had planned to deliver the stolen items to a residence in Lily, an unincorporated area of Laurel County.
“I just don’t understand why it went to this,” Buttery said on WDRB News. “I mean how did it lead to this? I know that’s what everyone else is asking too.”
Investigators obtained a warrant to search a residence on Vanzant Road for the stolen equipment. According to official records obtained by LEX 18, officers intended to search 489 Vanzant Road, the address Buttery had allegedly provided. However, police arrived at 511 Vanzant Road—Harless’s home—about 250 feet away from their intended target. Harless, who lived alone, became the unknowing focus of the operation.
According to a sworn affidavit from Kentucky State Police (KSP) Detective James Royal, officers knocked on Harless’s door around 11:48 p.m., announcing their presence as law enforcement. Harless reportedly acknowledged them but did not open the door. After several minutes of knocking and receiving no response, officers forcibly breached the front door.
Once inside, officers encountered Harless, who was reportedly armed with a handgun. According to the affidavit, Harless raised the weapon in the direction of officers, prompting one officer to fire multiple rounds from a patrol rifle. Harless was pronounced dead at the scene.
Evidence collected by KSP includes five spent .223 shell casings, Harless’s Taurus nine-millimeter handgun, a handgun holster and surveillance equipment. Investigators also obtained security footage from a nearby residence, which reportedly captured events leading up to the shooting.
Dispatch records revealed a significant discrepancy: officers had called for assistance to 489 Vanzant Road multiple times on the night of the shooting, but Harless lived at 511 Vanzant Road. This error has led to widespread speculation that Harless’s death could have been avoided if officers had verified the address before breaching the home.
The lack of body cameras that could have served as evidence for KSP’s investigation
London Police Department suspended the use of body-worn cameras in March 2023. The department cited aging equipment, high replacement costs, and storage issues as reasons for the suspension. This decision has come under intense scrutiny, as the absence of body camera footage has left investigators and the public relying on third-party surveillance and officer testimony to reconstruct the events.
Local community outrage over Harless’ death
The death of Douglas Harless has sparked outrage and grief throughout Laurel County. Harless’s family, friends and neighbors describe him as a kind and private man who likely feared for his safety when confronted by a group of officers forcing their way into his home late at night.
“He worked for a living, went home, loved his family,” said Doris Lawson, a friend of Harless for 15 years in an interview with WKYT during a protest. His daughter was his world, and she’s a daddy’s girl, and this has shattered her world and my grandson’s.”
Local leaders have also weighed in. Judge-Executive David Westerfield expressed sorrow over the incident, clarifying that the stolen items did not belong to him but to a tenant.
London Mayor Randall Weddle issued a statement urging patience and caution as the investigation unfolds.
Here is his full Facebook post:
“Undoubtedly, our community seeks answers, and I want to assure everyone that answers will be provided in due time. However, it is essential that we allow the Kentucky State Police to complete their investigation without interference. Since the beginning, my office has maintained a commitment to not interfering with this process, and we will continue to honor that commitment.
“I am deeply disheartened by those who are using this situation for political gain. This is not the time for politics but for patience and unity. In this country, we are innocent until proven guilty a principle we must uphold.
“The rumors and speculation circulating on social media are not facts. Assuming or spreading misinformation does not serve justice or our community. I urge everyone to refrain from jumping to conclusions and to wait for the facts of this case to emerge.
“We will stand together as a community, grounded in truth, and we will let justice take its proper course. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”
According to a Facebook post by London police, the officer who shot and killed Harless has been placed on “administrative leave” while KSP continues its investigation over the killing, with evidence from the scene under review, including surveillance footage from Harless’s light bulb camera and a nearby residence.
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This article appears in Dec 18, 2024 – Jan 16, 2025.