Louisville man shot by LMPD after allegedly stabbing officer

The new video shows the chaotic struggle moments before Ahtume McCollum, 36, was fatally shot by LMPD in the Crescent Hill neighborhood.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — New bodycam video from a police shooting in Louisville’s Crescent Hill neighborhood on Easter has been released.

The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) fatally shot 36-year-old Ahtume McCollum after responding to an incident on Arterburn Avenue on April 20.

“No officer wants to ever use force, let alone deadly force, that is a very life-altering and emotional event for officers,” LMPD Deputy Chief Emily McKinley said. “And then, no mother could ever prepare for the grief of losing a son or daughter, especially in circumstances like this.”

According to police, callers reported McCollum was possibly intoxicated and yelling at neighbors. He also broke a neighbor’s window, walked into her apartment, and stole a kitchen knife, which is all captured on the neighbor’s indoor camera.

Bodycam video shared on Wednesday shows LMPD officers Cody Chapelle and Benjamin Klingenfus arrive on scene and approach McCollum. The kitchen knife can be seen in his front pocket with the blade pointed up.

McCollum then approaches officers with his hands raised high above his head.

As the officers try to put him in handcuffs, McCollum resists, and a struggle ensues.

The knife can be seen falling to the ground as officers take him to the ground.

During the chaotic struggle, McCollum can be seen allegedly reaching for the knife as officers try to hold his arms down.

Although the video doesn’t clearly show McCollum attempting to stab police, according to LMPD, McCollum tried stabbing Chapelle twice in the chest.

The officer was wearing a vest, which LMPD says protected him from serious injury.

“It happens very fast,” Deputy Chief McKinley said. “There is a rub mark on the vest from that. He’s very lucky. Being that close to a knife with that much force that’s coming at you, we’re very lucky that nobody was injured, and that Officer Chapelle was able to go home.”

Klingenfus’ bodycam device falls off in the struggle, but he can be heard firing his taser at McCollum but it is ineffective. 

He then fatally shoots McCollum in the head.

Both officers have been placed on paid administrative leave while LMPD’s Public Integrity Unit is investigates the shooting.

LMPD’s Professional Standards Unit is also conducting an administrative investigation to determine if any department policies were violated during the incident.

Findings from those investigations will be sent to Kentucky State Police and the Office of Inspector General for review.

Before returning to duty, both officers will undergo a psychological assessment and receive any necessary training.

In a statement, McCollum’s family said he was a loved son, brother and father. He was also a decorated veteran who served in the Marine Corps between 2007 and 2011 before being honorably discharged.

“Ahtume lived with Bipolar II and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),” family said. “Ahtume served his loved ones and his country and for that we are ever grateful. We know so many in our community suffer with mental health challenges and wish for those that can to make donations to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to support the well-being of others.”

Via WHAS11