LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) released body camera footage and 911 call recordings Wednesday from an officer-involved shooting that occurred last month in the Camp Taylor neighborhood.
The incident unfolded on the night of April 26, shortly after 10:30 p.m., when officers responded to a 911 call at a residence on Lincoln Avenue, off Poplar Level Road near Interstate 264. According to LMPD, Daniel Gish, 55, had been reported by his daughter to be extremely intoxicated, armed with a firearm, and threatening to harm himself.
The 911 call, which was made by Gish’s daughter, stated that he had a gun to his head and had already fired a shot into the floor. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Gish outside in the driveway, still holding the gun to his head. Body camera footage released by the department shows officers repeatedly ordering Gish to drop the weapon, but he remained uncooperative, shouting obscenities and retreating into the home.
LMPD officials confirmed that at least one other person was still inside the home at the time. As the situation escalated, officers attempted to ensure the safety of those remaining inside. Patrol Sgt. Kristopher Pedigo, one of the responding officers, confronted Gish inside the residence and again ordered him to drop the weapon. During this confrontation, Pedigo fired a shot, striking the gun in Gish’s hand. According to Deputy Chief Ryan Bates, the officer discharged his weapon in an effort to disarm Gish.
Following the shot, officers immediately began providing medical assistance to Gish while waiting for EMS to arrive. Gish, who survived the encounter, was transported to a local hospital and later released. He was arrested and booked into the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections on charges of wanton endangerment of a police officer.
No officers were injured during the incident, and the individuals inside the home were safely evacuated.
As per LMPD policy, Sgt. Pedigo has been placed on paid reassignment while the department’s Public Integrity Unit conducts an investigation into the use of force.
This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to volatile situations involving individuals in mental distress, particularly when firearms are involved. LMPD has stated that the investigation is ongoing.
