Louisville Police Release Body Camera Video of Officer-Involved Shooting

LOUISVILLE -- Louisville Metro Police Department released body-worn camera footage showing a Dec. 18 officer-involved shooting in the Russell neighborhood, where the suspect remains hospitalized in critical condition.

According to Louisville Metro police, officers responded after ShotSpotter technology detected gunfire in the 2300 block of West Chestnut Street. Officers encountered a man identified as Asa McNealy, who fled on foot. The pursuit ended in a nearby backyard. according to WLKY-TV.

Body camera video shows McNealy with one hand raised and the other lowered as officers repeatedly issued verbal commands for him to show both hands. During the encounter, McNealy is heard telling officers, “I got my gun,” according to the footage.

Police said McNealy failed to comply with multiple commands and moved his hands in a manner officers interpreted as reaching for a weapon. Officer John Heisler then fired approximately seven rounds. Officers immediately rendered medical aid before McNealy was transported to a hospital, where he underwent surgery. As of Monday, police said he was in critical but stable condition.

Investigators recovered a semi-automatic handgun from McNealy, police said.

Deputy Chief Ryan Bates said he believes the officer’s actions were consistent with department training and policy based on the video evidence. “They gave the suspect loud verbal commands. He did not adhere to those commands. He reached for a weapon,” Bates said. “Based off what I’ve seen, I feel like this is above board.”

The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave and will undergo a psychological evaluation before returning to duty. Bates said the department’s Performance Review Board will also review the incident to assess policy, training, and performance considerations for potential department-wide improvements.