Names released of deputy, suspect shot during stand-off in Union Co.

MORGANFIELD, Ky. (WFIE) - A Union County sheriff’s deputy was shot Thursday night, Sheriff Jason Thomas.

Officials say it happened on Kentucky Highway 871, just a few miles west of Uniontown.

The sheriff says the suspect has been identified as 49-year-old Brian Eckman.

Sheriff Jason Thomas says they were called to a report of a suicidal person. During their response, the sheriff says Eckman put a gun in a deputy’s face.

“You have to know when you respond to a suicidal subject, they can turn homicidal in a heartbeat,” Thomas said.

Officials say at that point, gunfire was exchanged, and the deputy was hit as well as Eckman. That deputy has been identified as Deputy Jackie Carver.

According to Sheriff Thomas, there was a lengthy negotiation to get Eckman out of the house after the gunfire exchange.

They say eventually he came out without further incident.

“I have to commend our deputies not just for their bravery, but their professionalism,” Thomas said. “The last thing we want to do is take a life, the last thing you want is to lose your life as well.”

The sheriff says his deputies were in contact with Eckman prior to the shooting.

“We had served an emergency protective order on him earlier that day, two other deputies had,” Thomas said. “We knew if he had a firearm, he was going to be in violation of that EPO as well.”

Our 14 News crew was told Eckman is in the hospital. His condition is unknown at this time, but Sheriff Thomas says he’s expected to be okay.

Officials say Carver was also hospitalized. We are told he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, but has since been released from the hospital.

Sheriff Thomas says Carver, along with a second deputy that responded to the scene, is now on paid administrative leave.

“I’m just glad nobody is planning a funeral today,” Thomas said.

Kentucky State Police is investigating.

Sheriff Thomas says he’s grateful for the other law enforcement agencies that responded to Thursday night’s scene.

You can watch our live coverage from Thursday night below.

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