Four LMPD officers are on administrative leave for firing their weapons at a suspect killing him last night but police aren't the only ones asking questions.
Police say an officer was responding to a "trouble call" in the 1500 block of Oneida Court.
When they arrived, one slipped on ice and was approached by a man holding a hammer.
Police say, the officer fired his gun in response, but it was unclear whether the man was struck.
A second officer arrived on the scene and deployed his Taser but missed the man, who ran back inside his apartment.
A few minutes later, two more officers arrived. That's when police say the man came back out of apartment holding the hammer and was shot.
Sunday the coroner's office confirmed that man was 48-year-old Donnie Miles, a man people who live at Iroquois Park say had a history of mental illness and a man they believe police should never have shot.
Police tell us they are still investigating this case but some people who live at Iroquois Homes say, that's not enough and some local leaders agree.
Bishop Dennis Lyons of the Voices of Louisville Civil Rights Organization said, "We're hearing more police shootings almost as much as we hear citizen shootings."
He’s taking action and says he's calling on the Police Department to explain Saturday night's officer involved shooting to the public.
"We're not saying that they did anything wrong, but it's a concern of ours that these incidents continue to pop up not only here and in the black community, but all over the city," said Lyons.
The latest incident left Donnie Miles dead.
Police tell us officers shot him after he threatened them with a hammer.
People who live here at Iroquois Homes say, Miles had a history of mental illness and had been in trouble with police before.
His arrest history dates back to 1986 and includes everything from disorderly conduct and criminal mischief to assault of a police officer.
But friends say he should never have been shot.
"He was a sweet person. He would do anything for anybody," said Nancy French, "The cops didn't need to do that. He just had a hammer. Why couldn't they just shoot him in the leg?"
But Sharon Davis, who has lived at Iroquois Homes for the past 23 years says, she isn't surprised that police shot Miles.
"The people who live here and police are not friends," said Davis.
"Maybe it took Donnie's death for people to realize what's going on out here at Iroquois with police."
That's the issue Bishop Lyons plans to address and he says stop.
"It's an ongoing problem. This is the result of something that has been brewing for over a year."
These four officers are on paid administrative leave, all have, at most, three years of service with this department.
Bishop Lyons says he hopes to meet with Chief White about this incident Tuesday night.
A spokesperson for the police department tells us they are happy to meet with anyone who approaches them.
To add a comment, please register or login.