Youth access to guns a concern after armed teen shot by LMPD officer
By DeAndria Turner
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LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WLKY) — An LMPD officer shot and wounded a teenage boy Monday night after police say the 15-year-old fired a rifle toward the officer and his mother in Okolona.
Louisville Metro Police said an officer responded to a disturbance in the 3700 block of Cutler Road, near Outer Loop, and began interviewing the boy’s mother.
Initial radio traffic indicated the teen had a gun that was not loaded and did not have access to ammunition, according to information provided by his mother. Within minutes, an officer reported shots fired.
Police said the teen arrived during the interview carrying a rifle and fired toward the officer and his mother. The officer moved the woman to safety and ordered the boy to drop the weapon, according to LMPD.
Investigators said the teen fired again and the officer returned fire, hitting him several times. A nearby Ring camera captured the sound of the gunfire.
The boy was taken to a hospital and underwent surgery Monday night. Police have not released additional information about his condition or said what led to the confrontation.
Neighbors described the area as quiet. One neighbor said the teen was often seen outside playing basketball.
The shooting is raising concerns among city leaders about young people gaining access to firearms.
“The fact that teenagers have access to weapons like that is disappointing,” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said. “It is challenging for our community.”
Greenberg urged gun owners to secure firearms kept inside their homes.
“If there are guns in the home, they need to be stored properly, need to be locked up so that our youth don’t have access to weapons like that,” Greenberg said.
LMPD said it plans to release body-camera video of the shooting within 10 business days. The officer who shot the teen will remain on administrative leave during the investigation, in accordance with department policy.
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