LMPD releases findings after instructor shoots recruit, including brief cover-up plan

Louisville Metro Police Department has released investigative findings involving an incident in which a recruit was accidentally shot by a weapons instructor.It happened March 10, 2023, at the LMPD Firearms Training Center on Algonquin Parkway.On June 13, 2023, Metro Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel initiated an investigation.The LMPD's Professional Standards Unit released a report in which Officer Christopher Kitchen admitted to firing the shot during an exercise inside the Training Ammunition Combat house. The report reveals new details about events leading up to the shooting and brief plans for a cover-up. Photos released as part of the investigation show a vest the unnamed LMPD recruit was wearing when he was hit by a hallow point bullet.Other pictures show a shell casing on the floor, Kitchen's service weapon, and ammunition used during training.Another photo shows shattered Kevlar, which saved the police recruit from serious injury.According to the LMPD report, Kitchen told investigators, "We broke for lunch. I reloaded my weapon. Because we were going into public and I'm a police officer."But during his interview, Kitchen admitted he didn't perform a safety check of his weapon when training resumed."I don't know why I missed it, but I skipped that step." Kitchen said.After being shot, the recruit told investigators he said: "I think you just shot me."According to the LMPD report, after he accidentally shot the recruit, Kitchen admitted, he considered covering up the incident."We can replace the magazine. You know, I can explain this. I'll get you a new pouch," Kitchen told the recruit.The instructor admitted to investigators that within minutes of the shooting, he went online and bought new equipment for the recruit.Kitchen also told the recruit: "I hate to put you in this position, but you know, if you're with it, not saying anything."However, after about 20 minutes of contemplating a cover-up, Kitchen changed his mind."Well, there's just one thing to do." he admittedly said to the recruit before walking to a supervisor's office to admit what he'd done.The LMPD Professional Standards Unit found Kitchen committed firearms violations and acted in a way unbecoming of an officer.He was suspended for 29 days.In a statement, the department says all parties involved in the incident are still actively serving the community.