17-year-old dies in hospital after being shot by LMPD

A teenager who was shot by police last week after officers say he fired a gun at them died Wednesday at the University of Louisville Hospital.

The 17-year-old, who has not been publicly identified, was being treated for life-threatening injuries after he was shot Tuesday afternoon in the Wilder Park neighborhood.

Police say officers were conducting an investigation at Third and Kenton streets around 3 p.m. May 14 when they encountered the teen, who was suspected of being involved in a homicide that occurred the week prior.

According to police, the boy revealed a gun when he was approached by officers and attempted to run away.

At a news conference shortly after the shooting, LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel said officers tackled and tried to disarm the teenager while issuing commands for him to drop the weapon. He allegedly fired his gun before an officer, later identified as Detective Benjamin Derby, returned fire once, striking him.

Derby has been with LMPD since February 2020 and has received multiple commendation letters. In his personnel history, he has also received reprimands from the department related to his driving and for an incident labeled as a "chargeable accident."

No officers were injured in the confrontation, and police rendered aid to the teen until he was transported to the hospital.

LMPD spokesperson John Bradley said Wednesday the teen died as a result of his injuries sustained in the shooting. LMPD is expected to soon release body camera footage from the scene, per the department's protocol.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 17-year-old dies in hospital after being shot by Louisville police