LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) arrested five protesters Wednesday night. In an email, LMPD spokesman Dwight Mitchell said officers responded to 13th Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard where a “large group” of protesters were blocking the roadway. 


What You Need To Know

  • LMPD arrested five protesters on Wednesday night

  • One of the protesters arrested was Jamie McAtee, brother of David McAtee

  • Jamie is charged with Unlawful Assembly and Obstructing a Highway

  • Earlier this week, Jefferson County Commonwealth's Attorney Tom Wine announced he will not seek criminal charges against the LMPD officers or Kentucky National Guard members who shot and killed David McAtee last summer

Mitchell said multiple orders to exit the roadway and move to the sidewalk were given over a marked police unit speaker, and officers began arresting those who refused to comply.

A man from the crowd threw a brick at a police vehicle and fled, Mitchell said.

“Other individuals attempted to prevent officers from making arrests,” Mitchell wrote in the email. “The crowd became aggressive and additional units were called for immediate response.”

The arrests come just one day after Jefferson County Commonwealth's Attorney Tom Wine announced he will not seek criminal charges against the LMPD officers or Kentucky National Guard members who shot and killed David McAtee last summer.

Among those arrested was McAtee’s brother Jamie McAtee, who is charged with Unlawful Assembly and Obstructing a Highway. His arraignment is scheduled for June 1, 2021.

McAtee was killed June 1, 2020, at his barbecue business, YaYa's BBQ, on 26th Street. His death came after LMPD and National Guard members were called to the area to break up large crowds that were violating a city-mandated 9 p.m. curfew. 

Others arrested include Cheyenne Osuah, Jason Smiley, Carmen Jones and Sonja Wilde Devries. Charges range from Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest to Bribery of a Public Servant.

One person, Petria Edison, was cited for Obstructing a Highway.