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By Joanna Putman
Police1
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville Metro Police officer and firearms instructor has been disciplined for accidentally shooting a recruit and considering covering it up, the Courier-Journal reported.
The incident occurred in March 2023 when firearms instructor Christopher Kitchen was training two recruits. During the training, Kitchen pointed his service weapon at one recruit and fired, not realizing the gun was loaded, according to the report.
The recruit was hit on the bullet-resistant vest he was wearing and sustained extensive bruising. Kitchen then talked with the recruits about possibly trying to cover up the incident, which went unreported for 10 to 45 minutes, according to the report.
After a November 2023 investigation, Kitchen was found to have violated LMPD’s policies regarding care and discharge of a firearm and unbecoming conduct and was suspended.
“LMPD strives to provide safe environments for the public and our employees. As such, a thorough investigation of the incident was completed, and discipline was issued to Officer Christopher Kitchen,” LMPD spokesperson Angela Ingram said in an emailed statement. “All parties involved are still actively serving the residents and visitors of Louisville.”
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