WAVE 3 - Louisville, KYMan shot by LMPD officers dies

Man shot by LMPD officers dies

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Four LMPD officers are on administrative leave, pending an investigation, after a police involved shooting. Saturday night, around 8:30, LMPD officers responded to a call to investigate 'trouble' in the 1500 block of Oneida Court.

Chief Robert White said when the first officer showed up to the Iroquois neighborhood, a man approached him carrying a hammer. That man has been identified as 48-year-old Donnie Miles.  White said a preliminary investigation indicates the officer felt threatened by Miles.  The officer fired shots at him. 

Miles neighbor, who did not want to be identified, told WAVE 3 he heard about 5 to 6 shots from his home.  He said he lives about 75 yards from Miles.

Chief White said a second officer tried to tase Miles twice, trying to control the situation. Chief White said the man ran into his apartment shortly after that.  "They all start ganging around his apartment and he comes out and they start yelling at him and he gets scared," the neighbor said.

More officers arrived at the neighborhood to help secure the area for SWAT. According to LMPD, Miles came out of his apartment and approached two officers aggressively.  Chief White said Miles was still carrying the hammer.  "Every body was warning them [officers], letting them know that he was, you know, he's mental and everything," Marion Cobb said.  Chief White said they are investigating whether Miles suffered from a mental illness.

Chief White said, then an officer attempted to use a gas gun on Miles.  The second officer reportedly fired at Miles, shooting him multiple times.  "Even if he had just a hammer, there's no reason to kill someone over a hammer," the neighbor who did not want to be identified said.  "C'mon.  You could have shot him in the leg.  [You] could have shot him in the arm.  Somewhere.  But, you didn't have to kill him," the neighbor said.

According to the Coroners office Miles died from 4 gunshot wounds at UofL hospital at 9:53pm.

Funeral arrangements are being made at Highland Funeral Home.

The 4 LMPD officers on paid administrative leave are: Joseph Dougherty, Richard Burns, Luke Phan, and Chris Pedigo.  They have about a year and a half to 3 years of service.  LMPD said the officers are on administrative leave, pending the result of the investigation.

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