Officer shoots Jaron Bobbitt after domestic violence call in Louisville

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Newly released body camera footage from Louisville Metro Police shows a recently graduated LMPD officer issuing multiple warnings to a suspect before shooting him during a confrontation in the Wyandotte neighborhood on November 13. The suspect, identified as Jaron Bobbitt, initially described the weapon as a “toy gun” but Deputy Chief Paul Humphrey clarified that it was actually a loaded “AR-15–style pistol.” Humphrey emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that the weapon was “as deadly as it gets.”

The incident unfolded after officers responded to a report of a domestic violence incident in the 1000 block of Beecher Street at around 2:30 p.m. As the officers arrived, Bobbitt was sitting in a vehicle but quickly fled on foot while brandishing the pistol. LMPD officer O’Sha Rogers, along with other officers, gave chase through the neighborhood. Rogers, who recently graduated from the police academy in August, was the only officer to discharge his weapon. Footage from his body camera was made public on Monday.

The video reveals Rogers pursuing Bobbitt and repeatedly ordering him to drop his weapon. Despite Bobbitt responding with an “OK,” he continued to run while holding the gun. When Bobbitt turned and aimed the pistol at Rogers, the officer fired his weapon, striking Bobbitt. The number of rounds fired and the exact number of times Bobbitt was shot have not been disclosed by LMPD.

After Bobbitt fell to the ground, officers removed the pistol and began providing medical aid. Bobbitt was released from University Hospital the following day after receiving treatment for his injuries. He now faces multiple charges, including those related to domestic violence and fleeing from the police.

Rogers, who has a clean disciplinary record within the department, has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with LMPD’s policy and procedure. Humphrey highlighted Bobbitt’s extensive criminal history, including prior convictions for “gun-related crimes” before this incident. He stated that Bobbitt should not have been in possession of a firearm and acknowledged the ongoing issue of illegal gun possession in Louisville.

To address this problem, Humphrey outlined LMPD’s “multi-layered approach,” which involves collaborating with prosecutors and judges to handle investigations and subsequent prosecutions efficiently. The goal is to ensure that individuals who pose a threat to public safety remain incarcerated. While acknowledging discussions about jail overcrowding, Humphrey emphasized the importance of keeping those with violent histories behind bars for an extended period.

In conclusion, the release of the body camera footage sheds light on the Nov. 13 incident in Louisville’s Wyandotte neighborhood. The video captures the moment when Officer Rogers, a recent police academy graduate, shot Jaron Bobbitt after repeatedly instructing him to drop his weapon. Bobbitt, who initially claimed the gun was a toy, now faces charges related to domestic violence and evading the police. LMPD is committed to addressing the issue of illegal gun possession and working closely with the legal system to ensure public safety..