KSP Officer Joseph Ponder, Mayfield Post 1.

Editor's Note: Funeral arrangements for Trooper Ponder have been added to the end of the story.

(Eddyville, KY)- The Kentucky State Police at Post 1 in Mayfield lost an officer in a late night traffic stop on I-24 on Sunday, September 13th.

On Sunday, September 13, 2015 at approximately 10:20 P.M CST, Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 24 around the 58 mile marker westbound. After making contact with the driver, the vehicle fled from the stop. A pursuit ensued with the suspect stopping abruptly around the 49 mile marker, causing the front of Trooper Ponder's police cruiser to make contact with the rear of the suspect vehicle. At this time, the driver of the suspect vehicle fired several shots into the police cruiser striking the hood, windshield and Trooper Ponder multiple times. The suspect fled the scene on foot. The suspect was identified as Joseph Thomas Johnson-Shanks, 25, of Florissant, Missouri.

Trooper Ponder was transported via ambulance to the Caldwell Medical Center in Princeton, KY where he succumbed to his injuries at 11:41 P.M. CST.

Trooper Ponder, 31, was a native of Rineyville, KY. Upon graduation from the KSP Training Academy in January 2015, he was stationed at Post 1, Mayfield and assigned to Trigg County.

On Monday, September 14 at approximately 7:00 A.M CST, KSP Troopers located Johnson-Shanks in a wooded area in close proximity to Interstate 24. Upon making contact with Johnson-Shanks, Troopers of the Special Response Team (SRT) observed him with a firearm and instructed him to relinquish it. Johnson-Shanks refused verbal commands and aimed the weapon at the Troopers. An SRT Trooper discharged his agency issued weapon striking Johnson-Shanks. He was transported via ambulance to the Caldwell Medical Center in Princeton, KY for treatment where he later succumbed to his injuries at 08:23 A.M. CST.

Governor Beshear issued the following statement: "Jane and I are deeply saddened by the death of Trooper Ponder. Senseless acts like this are a tragic reminder of the risks that our law enforcement officers face every day, just by putting on their uniform and doing their job. That he was killed in the line of duty makes his death memorable, but we must never forget the most significant part of Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder's story - how he lived, his selfless service to others, and his willingness to give his life for that commitment."

Interstate 24, shut down during the search for the suspect and investigation has reopened.

The family of Officer Ponder has requested privacy during their time of mourning.

Funeral Arrangements for Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder

Visitation for Tpr. Ponder:

Thursday, Sept 17, 2015 from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Stithton Baptist Church, 95 Park Avenue, Radcliff, Ky. 40160

Funeral for Tpr. Ponder:

Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.

Severns Valley Baptist Church, 1100 Ring Road, Elizabethtown, Ky. 42701

Burial and Interment:

Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 (immediately following funeral)

Kentucky Veterans Cemetery, 2501 N. Dixie Blvd., Ft. Knox, Ky. 40121