Bodycam shows suspect fatally shot by Covington police after he came at officers with a knife

Body camera footage was released Thursday of a suspect who was fatally shot by Covington police after officers say he “came at” them with a knife in the early morning of March 14, according to Kenton County Commonwealth Attorney Rob Sanders.

Sanders identifies the suspect as Charles Neace, 34, of Elsmere.

Officers responded to Cambridge Square Apartments on Promontory Drive shortly after 1:30 a.m. after receiving a report of an attempted burglary in progress with a male suspect armed with a knife beating on the door of an apartment,” Lt. Justin Bradbury with Covington police.

According to the video shown, once officers arrived, they were heard saying, “Drop the knife, drop the knife,” as Neace is seen walking out of the residence with a knife in his hand.

“Get down on the ground. We want to get you help,” officers said as they were about 12 to 20 feet away from him.

Sanders says Covington Officer Shawn Sinacori and Specialist Brad Morris fired a total of 12 times, but was hit about nine times.

He explains that the shooting was justified and that he does not plan on presenting the case to the grand jury.

“Police officers have every right to defend themselves just like everyone else in the community. If someone is going to be foolish enough to provoke an armed confrontation like Neace did, they can expect the same result,” Sanders said.

Covington Police Captain Joshua Bornhorn says Neace tried to break into one of the apartments.

That is when Neace “came at” two officers with the knife, and the officers fired shots at him, Captain Bornhorn said.

Charles Neace’s sister, Sarah Neace, said she thinks her brother was ultimately set up, and she wasn’t fond of someone he associated himself with.