Louisville police chief calls out parents, says enforcement alone won't fix youth gun violence

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Police say guns in the hands of teenagers is a citywide problem that can't be solved by enforcement alone.

Chief Paul Humphrey said Wednesday the solution starts at home, and how they're being parented.

Several minors were arrested after police recovered multiple guns and drugs in a recent bust in Louisville.

"Just yesterday, they got an anonymous tip that several juveniles had weapons, and so through the course of the day, with the assistance of second division patrol, second division impact and SWAT, they ultimately conducted a search warrant in the 1300 block of South 20th street," Humphrey said Wednesday during LMPD's bi-weekly news conference.

Humphrey said the search ended with the arrest of three teens and an adult. According to police, this was another example of youth gun violence playing out across the city.

Humphrey said enforcement alone won't fix the problem. Not holding back, he also said too many people ignore red flags or excuse dangerous behavior coming from inside their homes.

"Ultimately, it is the parents and the community's responsibility to take care of this," Humphrey said. "You need to know where your kids are. If I had a mechanism to deal with parents better, whose kids commit violent crimes or are caught in doing these types of crimes, I would prosecute parents all day long."

Despite recent cases involving juveniles and guns, police said there's been progress.

So far this year, both homicides and non-fatal shootings are down compared to this time last year.

But about 40% of those victims are under the age of 25.

"We hear the things," Humphrey said. "You hear it all the time. 'Oh, they just got caught up in the wrong crowd.' No, your kid is the wrong crowd. They're a reflection of you."

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