The victim in a shooting death in rural Clark County Sunday was killed with his own handgun after he was caught trying to damage a vehicle, authorities said today.
According to Kentucky State Police, Rodney M. Mann, 45, of Lexington, was armed with a knife and two handguns when he tried to slash the tires of Charles B. Steppe, 5415 Four Mile Road.
Police said Steppe confronted the suspect, and the pair struggled over control of one of Mann's guns.
Once Steppe gained possession of the firearm, police said Mann lurched at the homeowner with a knife, and Steppe fired the weapon. According to the report, Mann was struck at least once and pronounced dead at the scene.
Police responded to the shooting around 11 a.m. when Steppe called 911 to report the incident.
The Clark County Corner's Office expects to release more information once an autopsy is completed today.
