Deputy Hans was shot and killed with his own weapon at the scene of a domestic dispute.

Deputy Hans was not dispatched on the call but was in the area and stopped at the scene prior to the arrival of Louisville police officers. The suspect ambushed Deputy Hans in his patrol car and was able to gain control of his weapon and shot him. The man then attempted to shoot a witness but the gun jammed. Deputy Hans was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. He was wearing his vest at the time of the incident.

The suspect was later found walking down the street and arrested after a brief struggle. The suspect was on parole after serving three years of a 12 year sentence for beating a man and stealing his credit cards. He had been arrested at least 17 times since 1990, including an arrest for assaulting a state trooper.

On February 14, 1998, the suspect was sentenced to death for Deputy Hans' murder.