2 Louisville Metro Police Officers found themselves in a life and death struggle early this morning after a Louisville Water Company employee called police after being threatened by a man brandishing a knife.
Officer Darren Utsey and Officer Anthony Roberts were on patrol as car 224C when they were dispatched to a trouble run at 1519 Hale Avenue. After arriving at the scene the officers began talking with one of the residents on Hale Avenue when they were approached by an agitated subject, Michael Woods, who attacked Officer Utsey with a knife, slashing him across the face.
The Officers attempted to subdue the subject but Officer Roberts was forced to shoot the suspect after he stabbed Officer Utsey in the shoulder.
Both the Officer and the suspect were transported to University of Louisville Hospital. Officer Darren Utsey suffered a large cut across his face and shoulder. Officer Utsey was released from the hospital later in the day. The suspect,who was shot once in the abdomen and once in the leg, is reported in stable condition.
Chief White says both officers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending investigation into the shooting, which is standard department procedure. White said he believes both officers acted within police guidelines.
"Preliminarily, it certainly looks like they did everything according to our policies and procedures," White said.
Officer Anthony Roberts is in the final days of his first phase of the Field Training Officer Program.
Please keep both Officers in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
LMPD Officer Stabbed, Suspect Shot