LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A 17-year-old person of interest in a recent homicide was shot by Louisville police Tuesday afternoon after pulling a firearm and running from detectives who were conducting surveillance.

Louisville Metro Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel said officers from the department's Criminal Interdiction Unit were conducting surveillance in the area of South Third Street and West Kenton Street around 3 p.m. as part of a recent homicide investigation. That's in the city's Wilder Park neighborhood.

Gwinn-Villaroel said detectives were observing a person of interest in one of the multiple homicides that happened over the weekend. 

When officers approached the suspect, a 17-year-old, the police chief said he displayed a firearm and began to flee. Detectives were able to tackle him and began to wrestle for the firearm in the suspect's hands.

"After multiple requests to release the gun, the suspect discharged the firearm," Gwinn-Villaroel said. "At which point one of our officers returned fire, striking the suspect one time."

A 17-year-old person of interest in a recent homicide was shot by Louisville police Tuesday afternoon after pulling a firearm and running from detectives who were conducting surveillance.

Officers rendered aid and called for EMS, which transported the suspect to University Hospital where he is being treated for life-threatening injuries.

No officers or civilians were injured. Police do not believe there is an outstanding threat or danger to the public stemming from the incident.

“Our officers are proactively policing our community and we will continue to do that. I encourage the community to please encourage one another to speak up and speak out against the senseless gun violence that has taken place in our city, and of those individuals who do not value life," Gwinn-Villaroel said. "We will continue to be out here, patrolling our streets and to continue to keep our community safe.”

Per department protocol, body camera footage of the police shooting will be released within the next 10 days.

Anyone with information is asked to call LMPD's anonymous Crime Tip Line at (502) 574-LMPD (5673). Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the department's Crime Tip Portal by clicking here.

This story may be updated. 

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