Religious Sect Member Believed Shot After Standoff

WLKY News, Kentucky/May 1, 2007

Leichfield, Kentucky -- The leader of the Sabbathian religious sect was believed to be shot after a standoff with police in downtown Leitchfield Tuesday.

According to a family member, Richard Dugan locked himself in an automobile in front of the Grayson County courthouse around 9 a.m. with a gun.

Family members said Dugan believed he was going to be indicted in connection with a previous standoff last Winter when the sect refused to allow police and social workers access to a child inside their compound.

State police evacuated the area around the courthouse and cordoned off the street while they tried to negotiate a resolution to the situation.

Shortly before 5 p.m. a Sabbathian told Newschannel 32 that five members were arrested at the scene and then Dugan shot himself.

As of 5:45 p.m., there was no word on his condition or comment from police.