Lexington, September 27, 2025

News Summary

Lexington police have identified two suspects involved in the shooting of city worker Stephon Vanzant, who is currently in critical condition. The incident took place at a bus stop on September 18, with one suspect arrested and the other still at large. These events highlight ongoing concerns about public safety for city employees. Community members are urged to assist the investigation.

Lexington Police Identify Suspects in Shooting of City Worker Stephon Vanzant

Lexington police have identified two suspects in the shooting of city worker Stephon Vanzant, who sustained life-threatening injuries while on duty. The incident occurred on September 18, 2025, at a bus stop at the corner of Winburn Drive and McCullough Drive. At the time, Vanzant was taking a break as an employee of the city’s Division of Waste Management, a role he had held since August 2025.

The 20-year-old Jon’Tay Mattingly was arrested on September 19, just a day after the shooting, and currently faces multiple serious charges. These include first-degree assault, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, first-degree wanton endangerment, first-degree criminal mischief, and tampering with physical evidence. According to court documents, Mattingly has been identified as one of the two individuals involved in the shooting, allegedly using a fully automatic handgun during the incident.

Police have not yet disclosed the identity of the second suspect, but Jermaine Shanks, also 20 years old, is currently wanted for similar charges. This includes first-degree assault and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. At the time of the shooting, Shanks was on probation for prior offenses, including attempted robbery.

Vanzant was taken to a local hospital following the shooting, and his condition has been described as life-threatening. Mayor Linda Gorton confirmed Vanzant’s identity in a Facebook post, emphasizing the city’s support and concern for the victim and his family.

Mattingly is being held at the Fayette County Detention Center, with bonds totaling $135,000 for various charges. He entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 29, 2025.

Law enforcement is actively seeking information regarding the whereabouts of suspect Jermaine Shanks and encourages community members to submit tips to either Lexington police or Bluegrass Crime Stoppers.

Background Information

The shooting of Stephon Vanzant underscores ongoing concerns regarding public safety in Lexington. As a city worker employed in waste management, Vanzant was engaged in essential services, contributing to the community’s sanitation and environmental health. The violence directed at public servants raises important questions about the safety of city employees during their work duties.

Mattingly’s prior criminal history is also of significance; his arrest in connection with this case suggests a pattern of behavior that may contribute to the increased risk of harm to others. The authorities’ attempts to apprehend Shanks are critical in ensuring that justice is served and that the community is protected from potential future violence.

Key Details at a Glance

• Victim: Stephon Vanzant
• Incident Date: September 18, 2025
• Location: Winburn Drive and McCullough Drive
• Suspect 1: Jon’Tay Mattingly (20 years old)
• Charges for Mattingly: First-degree assault, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, etc.
• Suspect 2: Jermaine Shanks (20 years old, wanted)
• Vanzant’s Condition: Life-threatening injuries
• Next Court Date for Mattingly: September 29, 2025

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Additional Resources

• WKYT News
• Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
• Fox 56 News
• Google Search: Lexington shooting 2025
• WTVQ News
• Google Scholar: public safety Lexington
• LEX18 News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: shooting safety
• Kentucky.com
• Google News: Kentucky crime
• WTVQ News – Phat Tattoo Leads to Suspect

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.