Lexington Faces Surge in Violent Shootings

Lexington, September 29, 2025

News Summary

Lexington is experiencing a troubling increase in violent shooting incidents, with recent events vividly illustrating the community’s concerns. The latest shooting occurred on Devonport Drive, leading to a police investigation while a previous critical incident left Stephon Vanzant hospitalized. Arrests have been made, including one suspect identified as Jermaine Shanks, who faces multiple serious charges. Local authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and assist in information gathering related to these violent acts, as police enhance community safety efforts.

Lexington is currently facing a wave of violence as the police investigate several shooting incidents occurring in the city. The most recent incident took place on Sunday evening in the 2000 block of Devonport Drive, near Village Drive. Witnesses reported seeing a bullet hole in a window of an apartment complex in that area, prompting police to secure the scene with tape and direct the public to avoid the location. This shooting investigation is still ongoing, with authorities vowing to provide updates as further information emerges.

In relation to a previous shooting on September 18, police have made progress in their investigation. Stephon Vanzant, a man injured during that incident on Winburn Drive, was critically wounded around 11:10 a.m. after gunfire erupted near the intersection of Winburn Drive and McCullough Drive. First responders were quick to arrive at the scene, and Vanzant was rushed to a local hospital, where he remains hospitalized due to life-threatening injuries.

Jon’Tay Mattingly, 20, was arrested on September 19 in connection with this shooting and has since been charged. Further developments occurred when, on September 24, Jermaine Shanks, also 20, was identified as a second suspect. Law enforcement has issued an arrest warrant for him, charging him with multiple offenses. These include three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, first-degree assault, tampering with physical evidence, and first-degree criminal mischief. The Lexington Police Department is actively seeking information regarding Shanks and is urging anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to come forward.

Authorities continue to investigate the shooting involving Vanzant, alongside related incidents that heighten concerns in the community. In a separate incident occurring downtown at 2 a.m. on a Friday in the 300 block of West Short Street, one person was shot. This incident also resulted in nearby businesses being hit by gunfire. Although the injured individual was taken to the hospital, they are expected to recover, but details regarding the victim, the business affected, and the identity of the shooter remain vague as police conduct their inquiries.

The series of shootings has raised alarms within the Lexington community, and police are increasing efforts to ensure public safety while uncovering the facts behind these violent acts. Community members are reminded to stay vigilant and report any related information to the authorities.

Key Facts Summary

• Latest shooting occurred on Sunday evening on Devonport Drive.
• Witness observed a bullet hole in an apartment window at the scene.
• Stephon Vanzant critically injured in a shooting on September 18; currently hospitalized.
• Jon’Tay Mattingly arrested; Jermaine Shanks identified as a second suspect with arrest warrants issued.
• Shanks faces multiple serious charges, and police seek public assistance in locating him.
• Another shooting occurred downtown with one person injured; details on the shooter are unclear.

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Additional Resources

• Lex 18: Lexington Police Investigate Shooting
• Fox 56 News: Mayor Identifies Lexington Shooting Victim
• Kentucky.com: Police Investigate Lexington Shooting
• WKYT: Multiple Dead After Shooting in Lexington
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Investigation

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.