Veteran LMPD officer who chased suspect after being shot on I-264 wants to return to work
FOP Leadership says the LMPD veteran is eager to return to uniform
FOP Leadership says the LMPD veteran is eager to return to uniform
FOP Leadership says the LMPD veteran is eager to return to uniform
A veteran LMPD officer, who has done everything from work homicides to internal investigations, is lucky to be alive, according to FOP Leadership.
The sergeant, whose name has not yet been released, was injured just before 3 a.m. Friday. It happened on I-264, on the Watterson near Dixie Highway. For reasons still unknown, a gunman identified by police as Keyshaun Stewart, opened fire, killing a construction worker before turning the gun on that officer.
"It's amazing, but for the grace of God and that officer's drive to survive were they able to live through that encounter," FOP President Ryan Nichols said.
Nichols had rushed to the hospital and was amazed to see the officer was alert and talking. The officer's wife and kids spent the day at the hospital, along with countless members of his LMPD family. Later, Mayor Greg Fischer, who called the day's events "tragic" stopped by his hospital room.
Background: LMPD officer shot, construction worker killed on I-264 in Shively; suspect hospitalized
"We're so thankful he's going to be okay and our sympathy goes out to the family of the deceased," Fischer said later.
Despite being shot in the face by the gunman, that officer was able to chase him down and fire off several shots, hitting Stewart. Incredibly, that injured sergeant, and former Marine, is already talking about his return to uniform.
More on the case: Construction worker killed on I-264 identified as 37-year-old father
"He's a veteran officer who has served this community in many ways and many different units on this department and has that desire to protect the public. It's important for this officer to get back to doing that as quick as possible," Nichols said.
There is no word on just how long that officer will remain hospitalized but we have been told his is a long road to recovery.
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