Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey is defending Officer Patrick Norton following a fatal shooting of an alleged armed robbery suspect on Saturday, Nov. 22. Norton and Officer Richard Waller were responding to a 911 call reporting a gunpoint robbery when they encountered a suspect who fled while producing a handgun. Both officers fired, fatally striking the suspect.
Chief Humphrey emphasized that the officers faced a “very dangerous situation” and praised their actions in protecting the public.
Norton’s record shows prior disciplinary issues. Between 2017 and 2019, he was suspended a total of 35 days, including a major December 2017 incident where he mishandled a suicidal suspect, violating seven LMPD policies, including use of force and body-worn camera rules. Norton had deactivated his body camera twice during that incident and cleared the call over radio while the suspect remained in custody.
Although Norton was initially slated for termination, his punishment was reduced to a 20-day suspension in 2019. Shortly afterward, he was involved in a November 2019 shooting at a Kroger on 35th Street, where Shelby Gazaway fired a handgun at officers before being shot. Norton was cleared of wrongdoing in that case.
Other notable incidents include a 2018 traffic stop of Simmons College President Dr. Kevin Cosby, where Norton was cleared of racial profiling but received counseling regarding body camera use.
Since November 2019, Norton has not faced disciplinary action and has received 49 commendations, including the 2022 Medal of Valor. Humphrey praised Norton’s service, noting he has become a K-9 officer and continues to serve the community.
Body camera footage of the Nov. 22 shooting is expected to be released next week, which will clarify whether the suspect pointed a firearm at the officers.
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