Southeast
Louisville police enter negotiations with Justice Department after report on racial discrimination
The U.S. Department of Justice has started negotiations on a settlement with the city of Louisville after federal officials released a report detailing a pattern of racial discrimination by the city’s police force.
The multiyear federal investigation was prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor and the treatment of demonstrators during street protests in 2020.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said city officials met with Justice Department officials Tuesday morning and received the first draft of the settlement, which is known as a consent decree. Greenberg said the two sides were beginning “preliminary negotiations.” Federal officials advised city officials to keep the draft confidential during negotiations, Greenberg said in a prepared statement.
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“My administration and (Louisville Police) will continue to keep Louisville informed about the work being done to reform and improve how our police department operates,” he said.
The DOJ report released in March 2023 said the Louisville police department “discriminates against Black people in its enforcement activities,” uses excessive force and conducts searches based on invalid warrants. It also said the department violates the rights of people engaged in protests.
The DOJ report also said Black motorists in Louisville were more likely to be searched during traffic stops, and officers used neck restraints, police dogs and Tasers against people who posed no imminent threat.
Greenberg called the 2023 report “a painful picture of LMPD’s past,” but said it has pointed the city “in the right direction for our future as we make LMPD the most trained, trusted and transparent police department in America.”
Once the consent decree is agreed upon, a federal officer will monitor the progress made by the city.
The city has initiated some reforms since Taylor’s death in March 2020, including a city law banning the use of “no-knock” warrants. The warrants are typically used in surprise drug raids. The city also started a pilot program that aims to send behavioral health professionals to some 911 calls and has expanded community violence prevention efforts.
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Southeast
Florida man allegedly attempted to 'club' wife, stab himself in the heart on Christmas Day
A Florida man was arrested on Christmas Day after allegedly attempting to kill his wife and himself in a murder-suicide, according to police reports.
Jonathan McPhee, 78, faces a first-degree attempted murder charge after he allegedly attacked his wife and then called 911 at the couple’s home on Pine Cone Way.
McPhee told the dispatcher, “I clubbed her, and I’m going to try to stab myself in the heart,” according to a legal document obtained by People Magazine.
OHIO GIRL, 7, BEGGED HER DAD NOT TO KILL HER AFTER MURDER-SUICIDE THREAT: ‘I DON’T WANT TO GO TO HEAVEN TODAY’
When Largo Police Department officers arrived, they found McPhee had stabbed himself and his wife had suffered blunt-force trauma.
They were both transported to a local hospital, where they are in critical condition.
“While being attended to by medical staff, the defendant spontaneously stated, ‘Just let me die, I killed (redacted),” according to an arrest report.
SCOTT PETERSON ARREST MONTHS AFTER LACI DISAPPEARED CHRISTMAS EVE MAY HAVE BEEN STRATEGIC: FORMER HOMICIDE COP
He also sent a text to his wife’s daughter saying he “killed” her and was going to kill himself because of “financial and health issues,” the report said.
He allegedly went on to detail how he would like the funeral arrangements and life insurance to be handled.
This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available currently.
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Southeast
Florida law will create safety barrier for first responders
A new law in Florida will support the need to keep first responders safe while working a call.
Senate Bill 184 will go into effect on Jan. 1 and will prohibit a person, after receiving a warning, from approaching a first responder engaged in the lawful performance of their job.
The law is aimed at helping police, fire and EMS personnel stay focused while performing critical first aid.
FLORIDA LAW BANNING HOMELESS PEOPLE FROM SLEEPING IN PUBLIC OUTDOOR SPACES TAKES EFFECT
It will create a 25-foot barrier around the responder, keeping the public at bay. It also includes keeping the public from threatening and harassing the responders while they are trying to do their jobs.
Violators will receive a warning initially, but could face criminal penalties if they don’t heed it.
NEW FLORIDA LAW ESTABLISHES SAFE SPACE IN SHERIFF’S OFFICE PARKING LOTS FOR CHILD CUSTODY EXCHANGES
The new law comes with a penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
The bill also outlines that a violator could face a second-degree misdemeanor.
It also specifies the definition of “first responder” to include law enforcement officers, a correctional probation officer, firefighters and emergency medical care providers.
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Southeast
Louisiana hunter cited for violations after shooting man he mistook for a deer
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reiterating the importance of hunting safety after a man was shot by a hunter who mistook him for a deer.
Law enforcement agents responded to a shooting involving two hunters on property in Zachary, a city in East Baton Rouge Parish, on Dec. 23, the department said on Facebook.
The two hunters were unknowingly hunting deer on the “same small private property” when one hunter mistook the other for a deer and accidentally shot him.
Both men had permission to be on the property, according to local media.
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He was hit with buckshot from a 20-gauge shotgun, the agency said. The shooter immediately called 911 for help once he realized he had shot a man and not a deer.
The wounded hunter was airlifted to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge with non-fatal injuries. Law enforcement did not state where the man was shot.
SIX ‘WINNERS’ OF LOUISIANA STATE-RUN HOG HUNTING CONTEST ACCUSED OF CHEATING, FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES
When law enforcement investigated what took place, they discovered neither hunter was wearing orange or had deer tags in their possession. The shooter was cited for both violations.
LDWF said additional charges are possible as the investigation remains active.
The agency reminded all hunters to prioritize safety by always wearing orange, which is required by law, and positively identifying your target and surroundings before firing your weapon.
“Let’s work together to prevent incidents like this and ensure everyone enjoys the outdoors safely,” LDWF said.
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