A Louisville Metro Police officer and firearms instructor received a monthlong suspension for shooting a recruit during a training exercise and floating the idea of a cover-up, according to a case report by LMPD.
On March 10, 2023, Officer Christopher Kitchen was helping two recruits — whose names are redacted in the released files — practice close-quarter tactics and hadn’t realized his gun was loaded when he fired at one of them, Kitchen later told investigators.
The round struck the recruit in his bullet-resistant vest, bruising his abdomen.
The shooting wasn’t reported for 10 to 45 minutes, as Kitchen and the recruits discussed whether they should tell anyone.
LMPD launched an investigation. In November, Kitchen was found in violation of LMPD’s mandated care and discharge of a firearm, as well as having unbecoming conduct for discussing a cover-up with the recruits.
“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.”