Bowling Green man armed with knife shot by Louisville Metro Police

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Kentucky State Police was requested by Louisville Metro Police Department to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred around 7:55 a.m. on March 18 in the area of Barret Avenue in Jefferson County, according to a release by KSP.

The KSP Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene, and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

The release further states that preliminary investigation reveals LMPD officers responded to a complaint of a suspicious man armed with a knife at The Altenheim Senior Health Care Community located at 936 Barret Avenue in Louisville on March 18 at approximately 7:24 a.m.

Shortly after LMPD arrived, officers located Riley W. Stephens of Bowling Green in a business parking lot nearby armed with a knife.

Officers used loud verbal commands in an attempt to deescalate the situation, according to KSP. The release stated officers then attempted to subdue Stephens using less-lethal methods but were unsuccessful. Stephens refused commands to drop his knife and proceeded to advance toward the officers. An officer fired his agency-issued service weapon, striking Stephens. Officers attempted life-saving measures, but Stephens was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to the release.

No officers or other members of the community were injured during this incident.