LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jeffersontown Police Chief Rick Sanders said the man shot and killed by an off-duty officer Tuesday didn't have a weapon on him.
In an update Thursday, Sanders said officer Stevonte Wood was contacted by concerned neighbors about a mentally unstable man in the street damaging homes and making threatening statements. Police said the man was threatening to stab children and rape someone on Robsion Road near Billtown Road.
Police said Marcus 'Marco' Dorsey, 43, entered Wood's front yard and approached his front door. Wood, who had his two children inside the home, grabbed his firearm and radio and stepped outside to de-escalate the situation.
"This was a tragic and deeply distressing event for all involved," Sanders said. "Officer Wood, though off-duty, acted out of a genuine and immediate concern for the safety of his children, his neighbors, and himself."
Wood identified himself to Dorsey, Sanders said, and urged him to stop. Dorsey was also making statements to Wood that he wanted to be shot and killed, Sanders said.
Sanders said Dorsey threw garbage cans, broke a storm door, smashed vehicles windows with his fists, attempted to break into multiple homes and made threats of violence.
Wood continued to relay information to dispatchers and made a request for a less than lethal weapon. According to police, Dorsey charged toward Wood, and that's when several shots were fired.
Dorsey died on the scene. Sanders said Kentucky State Police have Ring doorbell footage of the incident, and a witness claims to have seen Dorsey reach behind his back for a possible weapon.
But no weapon was found on the scene.
"We ask for the community’s patience and understanding as the process moves forward," Sanders said.
The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team is investigating.
Dorsey's family released the following statement Thursday afternoon:
"We are devastated and heartbroken by the tragic and senseless killing of our beloved Marco, a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. His life was taken far too soon by someone who had sworn to protect and serve — whose actions have left a permanent void in our family.
There is no justification for what happened. Marco deserved to live. He deserved to return home that day. Instead, we are left grieving, asking questions, and demanding answers.
We are calling for full transparency, accountability, and justice. No badge should place anyone above the law. We want a thorough, impartial investigation, and we demand that the officer responsible be held fully accountable under the law — just like any other citizen would be.
We thank those who have stood with us — friends, neighbors, and all who believe that justice must apply equally to everyone, no matter who they are.
This is not just about our family — it’s about justice, fairness, and the value of every human life. We will not stop until justice is served for Marco."
Kentucky State Police have Ring doorbell footage of the incident, and a witness claims to have seen Marco Dorsey reach behind his back for a possible weapon. But no weapon was found on the scene.
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