LOUISVILLE, KY (WDRB) -- City leaders held a private meeting Wednesday night to discuss further concerns about a constable involved in a shooting last week that injured a Louisville woman.
"If what I've seen is true. This person has violated our law, directly, overtly and purposefully," said Councilman Kelly Downard, R - District 16.
Downard says he believes Constable David Whitlock has broken city ordinances that ban him from wearing a uniform that could cause others to believe he's an LMPD officer or a sheriff's deputy.
Downard also believes Whitlock has violated state law by having deputies that were not authorized by the mayor.
Downard and Councilman David James plan to meet with LMPD Police Chief Robert White Thursday morning to address their concerns. It's unlikely the meeting will produce any results because constables are elected and don't answer to city officials.
Whitlock has garnered criticism from civic leaders after he was involved in a shooting last week outside a Walmart in south Louisville. Whitlock, who was at the store off-duty shopping, says he was informed by store security to help with a suspected shoplifter.
Authorities say he approached Tammie Ortiz in the parking lot. That's when he claims she ran over his foot and fired his gun – striking her in the arm and face.
"It's frightening that a person can pull a gun and fire at someone when they have not identified themselves. Even if they had the authority," said Downard.
State law also prohibits them from having deputies unless authorized by the mayor.
"There are pictures of these people with shirts - they have badges on them. They are carrying guns. This ought to be something that is very frightening for the community. We have to look into it very strongly," said Downard.
Downard says they'll consider drafting a resolution.
"I think the individual can certainly be impeached that's an option," when asked if he was pursuing that, he said: "We will look at that at one of the options."
A WDRB News reporter took these concerns to Whitlock, who told us by phone he could not comment because of the ongoing investigation by LMPD's public integrity unit.
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