LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One of the three Louisville police officers who failed to turn on their body cameras during the Scottie Scheffler incident in May was arrested Friday for theft.
LMPD Officer Javar Downs is charged with theft by unlawful taking over $1,000 and official misconduct. LMPD opened an investigation Friday morning after receiving a complaint from someone Officer Downs arrested on Wednesday.
According to his arrest citation, Downs unlawfully took $4,000 from a person he arrested while on duty.
Officer Downs was placed on emergency suspension and LMPD Chief of Police Humphrey has begun the termination process for Downs from the department, according to a statement from LMPD.
"Allegations of officer malfeasance are taken very seriously. LMPD prioritizes accountability and remains committed to conducting thorough and expedient investigations in the best interests of all parties involved," LMPD said in a statement.
Downs is expected to be arraigned in court on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m.
Three months ago, Downs was identified as one of the three officers who failed to activate their body cam during the high-profile Scottie Scheffler arrest.
During the Scheffler incident, arresting officer Det. Bryan Gillis, Det. Kelvin Watkins and Officer Downs did not activate their camera, which is a violation of LMPD policy.
WHAS11 previously reported Gillis' failure to activate his camera and discipline that followed. It's unclear if the other two officers were disciplined.
LMPD dropped all charges against Scheffler on May 29.