Louisville, Kentucky — (KSP) – Kentucky State Police released body camera footage from the Louisville Metro Police Department’s officer-involved shooting that occurred on March 11, in which Louisville officers shot a man they say tried to stab one of them with a knife following a foot chase. On Thursday, March 11th, 2021, investigators from the Louisville Metro Arson Bureau were interviewing the suspect, 26-year-old Brian Beach of Simpsonville, Kentucky, regarding a vehicle fire which occurred on Tuesday, March 9th. 2021.
The interview was being conducted at the arson bureau at 501 West Ashland Avenue by investigators. During the interview, Beach was advised he was being charged and arrested for the incident. Beach fled on foot and exited the building. Arson investigators pursued a short distance before losing sight of him. They reported the incident to MetroSafe 911 and law enforcement officers were dispatched to the area. Responding LMPD. officers searched the area and located Beach leading to a second foot pursuit. Officers eventually caught up to Beach near Maple Court. Beach displayed a knife and began cutting the side of his own neck and ignored verbal directions from the officers to stop. LMPD officer, 32-year-old Galen Hinshaw and another officer deployed less lethal Tasers in an effort to gain control of the situation.
Beach picked up a nearby trash can and threw it at one officer. He then retrieved the trashcan and uses it as a shield while aggressively advancing towards officers, with the knife in hand and ignoring officers verbal directions. Another LMPD officer was unsuccessful at an attempt to take physical control of Beach. And LMPD officer, 37-year-old Michael Conner deployed a less lethal pepper ball launcher, which was ineffective. Beach then engages physically with Officer Connor, which immediately takes both men to the ground, with Beach still displaying the knife. During the ground struggle, Officer Connor and Officer Hinshaw both discharged their agency issued firearms, striking Beach. Officers, secured Beach, located the weapon and began rendering aid until emergency medical services arrived. Beach was transported to the hospital to be treated for his injuries. Officer Conner suffered minor injuries, including scrapes to his left forearm, according to Beach’s arrest report. Beach has been charged with fleeing or evading police, resisting arrest, third-degree assault of a police/probation officer and attempted murder of a police officer.
