LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) is investigating after officers shot a man who they said refused to drop his weapon after running from a traffic stop near Churchill Downs on Friday night.
At a news conference, Chief Jackie Gwinn-Villaroel said detectives with the Criminal Interdiction Division initiated a traffic stop at S. 4th Street and Central Avenue around 9:15 p.m.
Gwinn-Villaroel said the passenger of the vehicle, a man whose identity remains unknown, exited the car with a pistol that had an extended magazine and ran from the traffic stop.
She said officers chased after the man southbound on S. 4th Street for a "short distance."
"Officers gave multiple verbal commands to drop the firearm. The individual continued to disregard the officer's request which ultimately led to an officer discharging his firearm," Gwinn-Villaroel said.
The chief said once the man was "no longer a threat" officers rendered life-saving aid and medics rushed him to UofL Hospital where he is currently in "stable condition." There is no additional threat to the public.
"We are fortunate that no other community members were hurt and none of the officers were injured during this incident," Gwinn-Villaroel said. "LMPD will remain vigilant in fighting violent crime. We will continue to be proactive in our manner of policing in the city of Louisville."
There is body-worn camera footage, and LMPD said they will publicly release it within 10 business days.
The department is asking the public, if you have any video or any relevant information in connection with this incident, to contact them at 574-LMPD.
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