Officer Bryan Durman was responding to noise ordinance violation call about 10 p.m. at the corner of Limestone and Alabama Street. While investigating a vehicle that had reportedly been playing music too loudly, Durman was hit by a sport-utility vehicle driven by Glenn Doneghy.
The SUV fled north on Limestone and turned left onto Seventh Street. Officer Durman was transported to University of Kentucky hospital in critical condition. He later died of his injuries.
At 11:49 p.m., officers located the SUV at an apartment complex at 309 Northland Drive. Officers obtained a search warrant, and just after 12:30 a.m., officers from the Emergency Response Unit entered the apartment where Doneghy was staying.
Doneghy was arrested and charged with murder, leaving the scene of an accident, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance suspected to be cocaine.
Doneghy was also charged with five counts of assault after police say he became combative with members of the ERU. He had two bench warrants outstanding for failure to appear in court on previous charges.
The Lexington police Bureau of Investigation and Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating.
Durman had served Lexington since December, 2007. He was fluent in Spanish and was described as "always very helpful," by Police Chief Ronnie Bastin.
"Everyone who knew him said he was eager, actively involved and enthusiastic," Bastin said.