LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A suspect of an arson investigation is in the hospital after a Louisville Metro Police Department officer shot them in the Beechmont neighborhood Thursday afternoon.
An LMPD spokesperson said Louisville Metro Fire Department's Arson Unit requested LMPD's assistance while they attempted to arrest someone for domestic violence arson near South 5th Street and Maple Court around 2:30 p.m. During the attempted arrest, the suspect ran away from the investigators, until LMPD found them around nearby homes.
"The suspect was armed with a knife and a struggle ensued during which time an LMPD officer shot the suspect after attempting to use less lethal force," LMPD Spokeswoman Beth Ruoff, said.
The suspect was taken to University hospital, as was an officer who faced a head injury. There's no update as of Thursday evening on either of their conditions.
MetroSafe originally reported that a member of the Louisville Metro Fire Department's Arson Unit fired shots, however officials at the scene clarified it was an LMPD officer.
"Almost immediately after I left, my friend texted me 'just heard three shots,'" neighbor Nick Roush said.
Roush said he was on his way to work when he and his friend watched the chase between arson investigators and the suspect unfold on Ashland Ave.
"I guess I was in the middle of it which is kind of scary," he said. "I just got out of the way as quick as I could and they were just flying down the road."
"You mess with the firemen, you're going to have the police here in about ten seconds," witness William Totman said, who also lives in the neighborhood where it happened. "I come back and there's 30-50 police officers here."
The shooting led to the entire block facing closures for hours, with 5th and 6th streets blocked off at Ashland Avenue starting at 2:30.
"For it to happen then too is especially weird," Roush said.
Neighbors say the crime in their area appears to have risen.
"This is a great neighborhood. You wouldn't know it by all that's going on at one time," Trotman said.
"There's been a lot of carjackings as of late. I know at least two within this two or three block radius over the last six months or so and its unfortunate that's what were resulting to now,"Roush said.
"What happened to just giving a darn about one another?" Trotman added.
This is the second time in three days an LMPD officer has fired shots at a suspect. A man was taken to the hospital Tuesday after an officer shot him near the Bashford Manor Walmart following a pursuit.
Like the shooting Tuesday, Kentucky State Police will lead the investigation.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
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