LOUISVILLE, KY (March 30, 2022) – On Tuesday, March 29, 2022 KSP Post 4 reported that the Kentucky State Police (KSP) was requested by Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred at approximately 7:55 A.M. March 18 in the area of Barret Avenue in Jefferson County. The KSP Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) responded to the scene, and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
The preliminary investigation reveals LMPD officers responded to a complaint of a suspicious man armed with a knife at The Altenheim Senior Health Care Community located at 936 Barret Avenue in Louisville on March 18.
Shortly after LMPD arrived they located Riley W. Stephens, of Bowling Green, KY in a business parking lot nearby armed with a knife. Officers used loud verbal commands in an attempt to deescalate the situation.
Officers then attempted to subdue Mr. Stephens using less-lethal methods but were unsuccessful. Mr. Stephens refused commands to drop his knife and proceeded to advance toward the officers.
Officer Malcolm Miller, 22-year veteran with LMPD, fired his agency-issued service weapon, striking Mr. Stephens.
Officers attempted life-saving measures, but Mr. Stephens was pronounced deceased at the scene.
No officers or other members of the community were injured during this incident.
KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the commonwealth as requested by local law enforcement agencies. KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation. To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, KSP’s Standard Operating Procedure is not to release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts gathered. Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case.
Original News Release below (By Louisville Metro Police Department)
5TH DIVISION OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING – About 7:24am, LMPD 5th Division officers responded to a call of a man with a knife in the area of Barret Ave. When officers arrived, they located the man armed with a knife and used verbal commands in an attempt to deescalate.
Officers attempted to subdue the man using less lethal methods to no avail. The subject continued advancing on officers and one officer discharged his weapon, striking the man. Officers attempted life-saving measures; however, the man was pronounced deceased on scene. No officers were injured.
The Kentucky State Police will be investigating the incident, per current protocol.
# # #
