LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – The family of a homeless man killed in an officer-involved shooting is responding after three Metro Police officers involved in the shooting will not face any charges.
That shooting happened on Feb. 11, 2017 on Oleanda Avenue inside an abandoned home.
Someone called 911 to report a break-in at their home, saying the suspect had run to the vacant building next door.
When the officers went in, William Young Jr. approached them, holding a skewer-like object.
After reviewing the body cam footage, Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tom Wine found the police officers use of deadly force justified.
“Mr. Young is crouched down. He jumps up out of his position and moves toward the officer. He’s holding skewer – a meat skewer. It’s got a red handle and then his other hand is on the blade itself and he’s going at the officer like this. The officer is actually stabbed. It went through his Kevlar vest,” Wine said.
Young’s family disagrees. Their attorney released a statement to WHAS11 News saying:
“We are not surprised. Criminal prosecutions of police officers for using excessive force are very rare. We are still convinced that awakening and shooting a homeless person multiple times in an abandoned home is excessive force.”
A lawsuit the family filed in 2017 is still pending.
They are seeking $18 million.