Louisville, Ky. — A man identified as Marcus “Marco” Dorsey, 43, was shot and killed Tuesday by an off-duty Jeffersontown police officer during a confrontation outside the officer’s home, authorities confirmed.
Jeffersontown Police Chief Rick Sanders provided an update Thursday, explaining that the incident began after neighbors reported a mentally unstable man causing damage and making threatening statements in the street near Robsion Road and Billtown Road. According to police, Dorsey was reportedly threatening to stab children and assault individuals in the neighborhood.
Officer Stevonte Wood, who was off duty and had his two children inside his home, was alerted to the situation. Sanders said Wood confronted Dorsey in his front yard in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. Wood identified himself and urged Dorsey to stop, but according to the chief, Dorsey ignored the commands and advanced toward the officer.
“This was a tragic and deeply distressing event for all involved,” Sanders said. “Officer Wood, though off-duty, acted out of a genuine and immediate concern for the safety of his children, his neighbors, and himself.”
Police report that Dorsey threw garbage cans, broke a storm door, smashed vehicle windows with his fists, attempted to enter several homes, and made further threats of violence throughout the incident. Wood maintained communication with dispatchers and requested a less-lethal weapon before shots were fired when Dorsey charged at him.
Dorsey died at the scene. While a witness claimed to have seen Dorsey reach behind his back for a possible weapon, no weapon was recovered at the location. Kentucky State Police are reviewing Ring doorbell footage and conducting a thorough investigation through their Critical Incident Response Team.
Chief Sanders called for community patience as the investigation continues.
Dorsey’s family released a statement expressing their devastation and demanding accountability. “There is no justification for what happened. Marco deserved to live. He deserved to return home that day,” the family said. “We are left grieving, asking questions, and demanding answers.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
