Police Bodycam Footage Released Following Officer-Involved Shooting in Russell Neighborhood

 

Police Bodycam Footage Released Following Officer-Involved Shooting in Russell Neighborhood

On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, a police-involved shooting occurred in Louisville’s Russell neighborhood, prompting swift public attention and the release of body-worn camera footage the following day. The incident took place near the intersection of Magazine and 26th Streets after a local resident called police to report suspicious activity in the area.

According to the woman who placed the 911 call, a man appeared to be using drugs outside a home that neighbors believed to be vacant. Responding officers from the Louisville Metro Police Department’s First Division arrived shortly after receiving the report. Upon their arrival, the caller informed officers that the man had gone inside a nearby abandoned house.

Three officers were dispatched to investigate the call: Officer Sarah Stumler, Officer Aaron Seneker, and Officer Braden Lammers. The officers proceeded to enter the home in question. According to Police Chief Steve Conrad, the officers announced their presence multiple times while conducting a sweep of the interior. The search led them through the main areas of the vacant structure, where they continued to call out for any occupants to make themselves known.

As the officers prepared to exit the house, Officer Sarah Stumler, age 34, observed something suspicious in the front living room. A mattress had been propped upright against a wall, and upon closer inspection, Stumler noticed a man—later identified as 38-year-old Bruce Warrick—hiding behind it. What happened next was captured on Stumler’s department-issued body camera.

In the footage, Stumler can be heard loudly ordering, “Show me your hands!” Immediately following the command, a single gunshot is fired. Warrick, who was still concealed behind the mattress, was struck in the abdomen. The footage does not clearly show Warrick’s movements behind the mattress prior to the shot being fired, and authorities have confirmed that no weapon was recovered at the scene during their investigation.

Emergency medical assistance was called to the scene promptly, and Warrick was transported to University Hospital. He underwent surgery and, as of the latest update, remains hospitalized. His current condition has not been disclosed to the public.

Following the shooting, Officer Stumler was relieved of her police powers pending the outcome of a formal investigation. Chief Conrad confirmed that the department’s Public Integrity Unit is conducting a full review of the incident, including analysis of bodycam footage, officer statements, and scene evidence. At this time, no criminal charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The decision to release the body-worn camera footage within 24 hours of the incident is part of an ongoing effort by the department to maintain transparency and public trust in high-profile use-of-force cases. Community members and activists have called for a thorough and impartial review, particularly in light of the fact that no weapon was found in Warrick’s possession or in the house.

While some have voiced concern over the quick escalation and use of force, law enforcement officials emphasize that officers are often faced with split-second decisions in potentially dangerous environments, especially when visibility is limited and commands are not visibly followed. However, others argue that the circumstances highlight the need for increased de-escalation training and caution in encounters involving individuals in non-threatening positions.

Officer Sarah Stumler has served with the Louisville Metro Police Department for several years. Her personnel file, disciplinary record, and history of use-of-force incidents are expected to be reviewed as part of the ongoing inquiry.

The shooting has reignited conversations about police conduct, training, and accountability in Louisville, particularly in historically underserved communities such as Russell. City officials have urged residents to remain patient as the investigation unfolds and pledged to share further updates as new information becomes available.