Man Shot and Severely Wounded by Louisville Police After Holding Gun to Another Man’s Head

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A man was shot and severely wounded by Louisville police officers in an apartment bedroom last week after he made threats and held a gun to the head of another man, resulting in the death of the latter as officers entered the room, according to authorities.

The incident took place on December 14 when officers responded to a 911 call reporting an armed man pointing a gun at people inside a Louisville apartment. At that time, limited details were released by the Louisville police, only confirming that two people had been shot.

Upon arriving at the apartment, officers were informed that three individuals were present in an upstairs bedroom with the armed suspect identified as 30-year-old Kenneth Clark. Witnesses informed the officers that Clark was holding a gun to another man’s head, and the officers could hear him making threats, said Louisville Police Deputy Chief Paul Humphrey on Friday.

In an attempt to intervene, the officers decided to breach the door. However, as they entered the room, Clark shot and killed 23-year-old John Robinson. The officers subsequently fired at Clark, according to Humphrey. Fortunately, the other two individuals in the room managed to escape unharmed.

Humphrey acknowledged that the officers faced a challenging situation but made the decision to proceed due to Clark’s escalating threats towards Robinson. Clark is currently hospitalized and in grave condition with a head wound, added Humphrey.

During a press conference on Friday, the police showed body camera footage of the shooting to reporters. As a result of their actions, the two officers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave while the department’s Public Integrity Unit conducts an investigation.