Ahtume McCollum dies in fatal Louisville shooting
Fatal Louisville shooting death of Ahtume McCollum – Obituary
The man fatally shot by a Louisville Metro Police Department officer in the Crescent Hill area has been identified as Ahtume McCollum, 36, according to the Jefferson County Coroner.
The incident took place on Easter Sunday around 12:30 p.m. after officers responded to the 3300 block of Arterburn Avenue. Reports indicated a man—later confirmed as McCollum—was allegedly intoxicated, yelling at neighbors, and smashing windows at an apartment building.
When officers arrived and attempted to speak with him, they observed McCollum holding a knife. They repeatedly instructed him not to touch the weapon.
McCollum approached officers, who tried to detain him, but he resisted arrest. One officer attempted to use a Taser, but it failed to subdue him. During the altercation, McCollum reportedly grabbed the knife and stabbed one of the officers in the chest. Fortunately, the officer was wearing a protective vest and was unharmed.
The second officer then fired a single shot, striking McCollum in the head. He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
LMPD identified the officer who discharged his weapon as Officer Benjamin Klingenfus, a member of the force since 2006.
Police Chief Paul Humphrey acknowledged the tragic nature of the event, expressing gratitude that no one else was seriously injured and that the officers acted to safeguard the community on a holiday. He also stated that the bodycam footage of the shooting will be released.
