LCSO says man was shot by homeowner during break-in

STANFORD – A man was shot three times by a Lincoln County homeowner after he allegedly used a chainsaw to break into a home Sunday morning.

The male owner of the home on Martin’s Trail woke up to the sound of glass breaking, according to Sgt. Michael Mullins with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. “It was this male subject that was coming through their back door, that was a full glass door, with a chainsaw in his hand,” Mullins said.

Mullins added that he doesn’t believe the chainsaw was running, and it was just used to break the glass. “At that point the homeowner encountered him, approximately four shots were fired, striking the subject three times.”

It appears the alleged intruder – identified as 44-year-old Richard A. Hamadany – was suffering from a psychotic episode, according to Mullins. “I think he was suffering from some mental illness issues. He thought he was hearing voices and thought somebody was screaming for help. That’s when he tried to gain access to the residence,” Mullins said.

There was a husband and wife and two children in the home, Mullins said. Other than the chainsaw he picked up from the porch, Hamadany did not have any weapons on his person. At this time, Mullins said there is no indication of drug or alcohol use. “It just appears he was having a psychotic episode,” he said.

Hamadany was transported to Ephraim McDowell Fort Logan Hospital in Stanford and then on to the University of Kentucky Hospital. “He is in serious, but stable condition,” Mullins said. Hamadany was cited while in the hospital and charged with first-degree burglary and four counts of wanton endangerment. No one, aside from Hamadany, was injured, Mullins said.

The ongoing investigation is being overseen by Sgt. Mullins with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.