LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro Police Officer Brandon Haley was shot in the chest on Thursday, Sept. 7, while responding to a call. Body camera and dash cam videos of the aftermath of the shooting were released Wednesday, Sept. 20.
Haley was shot while responding to a call on S. 40th Street in Louisville at about 2:27 a.m. Police said several people began shooting from a nearby home on 40th Street, while Haley was on the scene.
LMPD Officer Colin Billotto was on the scene with Haley. Billotto can be seen in the video when shots are being fired.
Haley was “immediately” shot and fell to the ground, according to police. Haley returned fire.
According to police, Haley ran to the opposite side of the street; at this point, he was with Billotto. Police said the two were still being shot at and Billotto returned fire.
Billotto dragged Haley to safety. Billotto did a chest seal on Haley and rendered aid. Officers put Haley in a police car and took him to the University of Louisville Hospital. Haley had life-threatening injuries, according to LMPD officials.
LMPD Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel said Haley is still recovering at University of Louisville Hospital. Gwinn-Villaroel said Haley’s condition is improving; he is no longer in critical condition.
“We are incredibly grateful that he was not killed that night. Officer Haley is fighting to get stronger each day so he can rejoin his fellow officers as we work towards the goal of keeping Louisville’s community as safe as possible,” Gwinn-Villaroel said.
LMPD officials said five people of interest were taken into custody. Police said they seized multiple guns and narcotics at the scene.
Video of the incident was released to the public on Wednesday, Sept. 20.
“This is incredibly difficult to watch. However, we also see the bravery that in this case, Officer Haley and Officer Billotto exhibited in this early morning interaction. I thank them,” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, said.
LMPD recently changed its protocol on police-involved shootings. Previously, Kentucky State Police led investigations into LMPD’s officer-involved shootings. LMPD now investigates its own officer-involved shootings. Gwinn-Villaroel said that LMPD’s public integrity unit will take the lead on these investigations.
“The changes were implemented to help provide greater transparency to the public, giving the community clearer guidelines on what they can expect after an officer-involved shooting,” Gwinn-Villaroel explained.
Gwinn-Villaroel said as part of the policy changes, the public can expect body camera video to be released within 10 business days after the officer-involved shooting.
LMPD said a copy of the case file will be turned over to the Commonwealth’s attorney’s office for determination of final disposition. Kentucky State Police will also get a copy for a thorough peer review, as well as the Office of the Inspector General.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information can contact LMPD’s anonymous tip line at 502-574-LMPD (5673).
The video contains graphic images and language.