Sheriff Tony Hampton of Scott County reported that a sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed on Monday during a traffic stop on the interstate close to Georgetown.

Around 5 p.m. on Monday, Deputy Caleb Conley was shot on I-75 close to milepost 127 while attempting to stop a suspect from escaping, according to Hampton. The reason why Deputy Caleb Conley, 34, stopped a person is unknown, according to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect fled after Conley was shot during the stop, but has since been captured, according to Kentucky State Police.

Also Read: Who was Michael Craddock, bank robbery suspect killed in police shootout in Ohio?

In a statement about the shooting posted to Twitter, Gov. Andy Beshear asked Kentuckians to pray for Conley’s family and his fellow law enforcement personnel. “This hero made the ultimate sacrifice, and we will be forever grateful,” he added.

Also Read: The Colour Purpletrailer: Fantasia Barrino leads epic musical retelling of a classic

Conley spent eight years in the United States Army before joining the Scott County Sheriff’s Office four years ago. According to Hampton, he leaves behind a wife, young children, and his parents.

Interim Louisville Metro Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel also issued a statement via Twitter, expressing the department’s condolences to Conley and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department. “We offer our prayers and support during this difficult time. Rest easy brother,” the post read.

Also Read: Who is Christian Brueckner, official suspect in disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Hampton said this was the first time since he became sheriff that a deputy had been killed in the line of duty. “He was out there today doing his job and look what happened to him,” Hampton said. “A coward coming through our county on I-75 took his life, took him away from his family.” More information is expected to be released from Kentucky State Police, who are investigating the shooting.

Also Read: St John’s Prep School goes into lockdown after ‘hoax’ report of active shooter

Attorney General Daniel Cameron, the Republican nominee for governor, also offered condolences to Conley in a statement Monday. “I am deeply saddened to learn that Scott County Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley was shot and killed this evening,” Cameron said in a tweet. “Makenze and I mourn the loss of this hero. Today’s tragedy is yet another example of the grave dangers faced by our law officers. … We pray for each of them tonight, for Caleb’s family, and for all of Scott County.”