LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville Metro Police officer shot and injured an intoxicated man after he allegedly fired a gun inside a home and engaged in a standoff with authorities late Saturday night in the Camp Taylor neighborhood.
The incident unfolded just after 10:30 p.m. on Lincoln Avenue, a residential street off Poplar Level Road near Interstate 264. Police were called to the scene after a 911 caller reported that a man in the home had become intoxicated, gotten into an argument, and discharged a firearm into the floor.
According to Deputy Chief Ryan Bates, when officers arrived, they encountered the suspect in the driveway holding a gun to his head. Bates described the man as “obviously distraught” and said the situation quickly escalated as the man re-entered the home.
Meanwhile, others inside the residence remained on the phone with 911 dispatchers, reporting their location to officers as they worked to ensure their safety. However, one person was still inside the house when the suspect returned.
As the situation continued to develop, officers on the scene attempted to de-escalate the situation. Bates stated that an officer ordered the man to drop the weapon. When the man did not comply and moved further into the house, the officer fired a single shot, striking the man in the arm.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was immediately transported to University Hospital. Bates confirmed that the injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening.
Despite the chaotic scene, all individuals inside the home were safely evacuated, and no officers were injured.
Neighbors in the area expressed their shock at the incident, with one resident commenting, “It was just crazy. It all happened so fast.”
The officer who discharged the firearm has not been identified publicly. As is standard practice, the officer has been placed on paid reassignment pending the outcome of the investigation. The Public Integrity Unit of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) is leading the investigation into the shooting.
LMPD has confirmed that body-worn camera footage of the incident will be released within ten business days, in accordance with the department’s Critical Incident protocol. The department has emphasized the importance of transparency as the investigation continues.
This incident adds to a growing list of officer-involved shootings being closely scrutinized in the region. Authorities are urging the public to allow time for the investigation to proceed before drawing conclusions about the officers’ actions.
