Louisville police officer suspended 15 days for shoving a woman, charges dismissed

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville Metro Police officer was suspended 15 days for shoving a woman last year, causing him to be arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic assault.

The assault charge against John Perkins was amended down to harassment with physical contact last July, according to court records.

In April, the harassment charge was dismissed as part of an agreement in which Perkins accepted a diversion program, meaning he had to comply with orders from Family Court, complete a domestic violence intervention program, only carry a weapon for work and stay out of trouble.

In a Jan 18, 2024 memo, Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel suspended Perkins 15 days after an investigation into his April 2, 2023 arrest by the Jeffersontown Police Department showed he violated policies of conduct unbecoming and obedience to rules and regulations.

The chief concluded that Perkins "shoved your wife with your foot in a manner you described as similar to when you 'strong arm someone.'" She said he pleaded guilty to harassment with physical conduct and must complete a domestic violence program. The charge was dismissed on April 16.

Perkins was unable to do his job for at least three months while he had an emergency protective order against him, the chief wrote in a memo obtained under the Kentucky Open Records law.

"The conduct cited above clearly warrants discipline," she wrote. "I consider the suspension to be both appropriate and necessary to the maintenance of good order and discipline with the Department."

The arrest report alleges Perkins and the victim got into a verbal altercation and he grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her against a wall. He also is accused of kicking her in the thigh. She suffered minor injuries and refused treatment, according to the report.