Newly-released audio reveals more Laurel County Judge Executive David Westerfield’s statements in relevance to the recent officer-involved shooting.
The Sentinel-Echo obtained audio Thursday of a Dec. 24 Laurel County 911 dispatch call that confirms Judge Westerfield did reach out to law enforcement regarding the theft that took place at his property on 508 Taylor Drive in London nearly three weeks ago.
London City Police’s investigation of the theft has been linked to the fatal Dec. 23 shooting of 63-year-old Douglas Harless when officers attempted to execute a search warrant at what turned out to be the wrong address.
When the Sentinel-Echo previously spoke with Westerfield, he said that he did not reach out to law enforcement regarding the issue. “My nephew called me — he keeps his lawn mowing equipment in my garage — and he told me what had happened and called the police,” he stated.
Westerfield would also go on to say, “Nothing they stole was mine. It was all his.”
However, the newly obtained 911 dispatch audio, taking place the day after the shooting of Harless, revealed that Judge Westerfield was directed to speak with LPD Officer Jared Hale in regard to the ongoing investigation.
In the call, Westerfield informed Hale that he had been over to his property to see what items were gone the following day.
“They called me at 1 a.m. this morning and told me all about it,” Westerfield said in regard to Harless’ passing.
Though Westerfield previously stated that none of the stolen belongings were his, he states otherwise in the audio.
“I’m not going to worry about my stuff unless he sold to somebody and it’s laying in a pile and I could identify it, but I can’t make a list,” Westerfield said. “I’m not going to worry about it but I would like to see Charles, my nephew, get his stuff back, if at all possible.”
Ofc. Hale affirmed to him in the call that it was being looked into and that the case had been turned over to Sergeant Elbert Riley.
Westerfield also noted that a homeless man had been staying in his “back building.” Ofc. Hale asked him for confirmation that he would like to have the individual “hooked” if found trespassing, to which Westerfield says, “I do.”
When contacted Thursday, Westerfield declined to give comment until he spoke with his attorney.
Numerous media reports have connected the LPD officer-involved shooting to the arrest of Hobert Buttery, 49, of Manchester. A uniform citation from LPD and obtained by the Sentinel-Echo states that Buttery was arrested at 7:34 p.m. Dec. 23 on one count of theft by unlawful taking $1,000 or more but less than $10,000.
While being interrogated, Buttery said he had taken one of the items, a weed eater, to “a house in Lily.” This would lead LPD officers to serve a search warrant at what many have presumed to be an incorrect address.
Although dispatch audio from the night of the shooting contained the address “489 Vanzant Road” several times, KSP would report 511 Vanzant Road as the actual location at which Harless was shot by an officer in his home.
Court records show Buttery previously resided at 515 Vanzant Road.
The belongings reported as stolen from Westerfield’s property include a heater, four backpack blowers, three weed eaters, and a pole saw. According to the uniform citation, Buttery only acknowledged taking a Stihl weed eater and heater from the backyard.
The items were appraised as a little over $4,000 — making the act a Class D felony. According to the arrest report, Buttery took the belongings at 10:01 p.m. Dec. 22. The items were reported as missing to LPD on Dec. 23.
Buttery recently had a preliminary hearing in Laurel County District Court, during which testimony indicated that there were no witnesses to the crime.
Chief District Judge John Paul Chappell found probable cause and the case was sent to a grand jury for Jan. 17 at 9 a.m. Buttery’s bond remains at $10,000.
The officer-involved shooting remains under investigation by KSP, whose Post 11 in London was requested by LPD at 11:53 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23 to investigate.
WKYT obtained a neighbor’s surveillance footage from the night of the shooting. The video begins at 11:50 p.m., with the police banging on Harless’ door and announcing themselves. Shortly thereafter, officers can be seen scattering throughout the yard before five gunshots are fired.
The officers then radioed for assistance. This is when the inconsistent address is stated multiple times.
KSP collected pieces of evidence on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, which could benefit its investigation. During KSP Detective James Royal’s search of the 511 Vanzant Road property, he found five used .223 shell casings, a light bulb security camera, a Nokia cell phone, and a Taurus nine-millimeter handgun and holster.
According to Det. Royal’s search warrant, the light bulb security camera and cell phone could better show what occurred that night when the LPD officers attempted to enter the home.
LPD announced on Dec. 26 that the still-unnamed officer who fatally shot Harless has been placed on administrative leave. The post said the officer fired after “the occupant of the residence produced a firearm and pointed it at officers.”
Though life-saving measures were performed on scene, according to KSP, Harless succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Laurel County Coroner Doug Bowling’s office.
No other injuries were reported.
LPD officers were not wearing body-cams, as they suspended their use as of March 2023.
The Sentinel-Echo previously filed an open records request to view the LPD’s search warrant. A response was received three business days later, redirecting the Sentinel-Echo to Laurel Circuit Clerk Roger Schott. Schott said that his office does not possess the document at this time.
This remains a developing story.