LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Two Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) officers shot in the Smoketown neighborhood Tuesday night are “doing well,” according to Chief Paul Humphrey.
At a news conference Wednesday, Humphrey identified the injured officers as Laxman Acharya and Brendan Koerner. Both officers work with LMPD’s Fourth Division.
Humphrey said Acharya, who was shot in the leg, was released from the hospital Tuesday night. Koerner was shot in the hand and had surgery Wednesday morning. He's expected to be released from hospital soon, the chief added.
“We are very fortunate that no one was more seriously injured,” Humphrey said. “[We’re] very, very proud of these officers, there was another officer that was out there with them, doing proactive work. That’s exactly what this community needs – is we need officers that are going to go out there, do the hard work that it takes to keep this community safe.”
Humphrey said he's spoken with both officers and they remain in good spirits. He said they've both been humbled by the support they've received from the department since the shooting.
"One of the things about tragedies like officers getting shot is that it is a time for us to show how much we care about each other," he said. “This was a time where officers were able to come together and show how much we really do need to take care of each other and they were humbled by that."
Suspect arrested
The officers were shot while attempting to detain a 19-year-old suspect in the 400 block of Roselane Street on a report of a stolen vehicle with a broken window.
According to an arrest citation, Jeremiah Thompson discharged a firearm while police were attempting to detain him on the ground. Police said Thompson was shot in the torso and Acharya was shot in the leg while Koerner was shot in the hand.
Humphrey said the officers' body-worn cameras will be released at LMPD's next bi-weekly press conference on Dec. 4.
“We pray for [the officers’] speedy recovery and look forward to the prosecution of this suspect,” he added.
Thompson is also expected to survive his injuries, LMPD said.
He’s been charged with two counts of assault against a police officer, wanton endangerment of a police officer, receiving stolen property valued at $10,000 or more, and resisting arrest.
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