LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville police officer shot and critically injured an armed man in the Russell neighborhood Thursday morning.
The incident started with a ShotSpotter alert coming from West Chestnut Street near 23rd Street just after 11 a.m., according to a statement from Louisville Metro Police Deputy Chief Ryan Bates.
ShotSpotter is a gunfire detection system, which automatically alerts police dispatch and officers anytime gunshots are detected in an area.
"The ShotSpotter alert indicated there were several shots fired in the rear alley," Bates said. "Officers arrived in the rear alley and found a man wearing a jacket. After short foot pursuit, an officer found the suspect in a backyard."
Bates said the officer ordered the man to show his hands, but he told the officer he had a gun and would only produce one hand in the air.
"After being ordered numerous times to raise his hands in the air, the suspect reached toward his waistband," Bates said. "One LMPD officer discharged his weapon multiple times, striking the suspect several times."
Bates said the suspect dropped to the ground as the officer continued to order him to show his hands.
"When it was safe to do so, the officer approached the suspect, removed the firearm from the suspect and began rendering life-saving assistance by applying multiple chest seals," Bates said.
The man was taken to UofL Health Hospital in downtown Louisville in critical condition, Bates said. No officers were injured in the "critical incident," and Bates said there is "no longer a danger to the public."
LMPD's Public Integrity Unit will lead the investigation.
There is body camera footage of the shooting, which will be released within 10 business days under LMPD policy. The Public Information Office will provide info on the officer involved in the shooting within 72 hours.
More area crime stories:
Body camera video shows Louisville police fatally shoot armed man at east end apartment complex
New video shows aftermath of deadly shooting at Kentucky State University
3rd suspect arrested and charged in February murder of Louisville jail officer
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