Louisville Police Release Bodycam Showing Officers Fatally Shooting Armed 18-Year-Old After Pizza Robbery Report
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — Newly released bodycam video shows the moments leading up to the fatal police shooting of 18-year-old William Jenkins, who Louisville Metro Police officers say fired a gunshot during a confrontation on Nov. 22. The incident began after a food delivery driver called 911, reporting that a teenager pointed a gun at her and demanded an $85 pizza order.
Bodycam Footage Shows Foot Chase, Struggle, and Gunfire
LMPD officers responded to the 100 block of East Southland Boulevard after the armed robbery report. The bodycam video shows Officer Patrick Norton approaching Jenkins and asking him to come speak with police.
Seconds later, Jenkins runs. Norton chases after him and says the teen reaches for something before the officer pushes him to the ground. At that moment, LMPD says Jenkins fired a gunshot.
Officers Norton and Richard Waller then opened fire, striking the teen. Several officers moved behind a cruiser as Norton developed a plan to safely approach. Bodycam footage shows Norton removing a black handgun from Jenkins’ hand before officers attempted to render aid.
Jenkins was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officer Patrick Norton’s Past Discipline and Department Response
Days after the shooting, LMPD released the disciplinary histories of both officers. Norton, who joined the department in 2016, had been suspended 35 days between 2017 and 2019 for multiple incidents and was previously involved in a separate fatal shooting.
Deputy Chief Emily McKinley publicly defended Norton, saying he has shown strong performance in recent years.
“He has been an outstanding officer since those incidents,” McKinley said, noting that the bodycam shows Norton taking “clear command and leadership” after the shooting. She added, “I hope we have more officers who can overcome their past history and adversity, and do this type of work for our community.”
Internal Reviews and Required Assessments Still Ahead
The shooting is now under criminal and administrative investigation, and both Norton and Waller have been placed on paid administrative leave. LMPD’s performance review board will examine the incident to determine whether any improvements in response or tactics are needed.
Before returning to duty, both officers must undergo a psychological evaluation and complete any additional training required by the department.
McKinley described the situation as tragic for everyone involved.
“It is heartbreaking to see this,” she said. “No officer wants to go through this. And it is heartbreaking to know that we have young people who feel like they need to carry a weapon, or participate in activity like this, not realizing what it could lead to.”
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