This article was originally posted at 10:42 am on April 22, 2016 by Jenn Jacques

An Emergency Protection Order is just a piece of paper.

While Powell County Sheriff’s deputies said they’ve been called out to the woman’s home several times before, her circumstances had prompted the woman to arm herself with not only an Emergency Protective Order from her abuser, but with a firearm as well.

WKYT reported:

According to Kentucky State Police Officer Steven Strange, 39, confronted Melissa Roberts, 32, inside her Stanton home.

Strange was then shot in the chest with a 12-gauge shotgun, police said. The Powell County Coroner pronounced him dead at the scene.

Robert’s friend, who didn’t want to be identified, said that Roberts is very upset about what happened.

“She’s not doing good mentally. She’s just devastated. She said the only thing she wanted to do was shoot him in the leg to let him know she’s done with being abused.”

During the 911 call a woman identifying herself as Melissa Roberts can be heard asking for an ambulance for Stevens.

“Just try to stay calm.” a dispatcher tells her. “OK. You hear me?”

“I’m panicking,” Roberts responds. “I can’t stay calm. I just killed the man I love.”

So far, police have not filed charges in the case.

State police said they will be presenting the case to a grand jury who will decide if Roberts should be indicted on any charges.

If you feel threatened by an abusive person or are in fear for your safety or life, please reach out for help and don’t hesitate to call police if you are in immediate danger.

Think danger may be in your near future?

Take a class. Connect with a group in your area. Protect your firearm and teach others gun safety.

Together, we can empower women to strengthen their personal protection plan to ensure they are never victimized again.