NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18) — The Nicholasville Police Department released more information regarding an incident on October 22 where a man was killed by officers.
Police claim that 22-year-old Desman LaDuke pointed guns before being killed by officers.
In a statement, NPD says that following attempts to negotiate with Mr. LaDuke, he "appeared in the rear window of his residence pointing two handguns."
They say that despite repeated orders for him to drop the weapons, he pointed both handguns at officers.
In response to the police statement, the family of Desman LaDuke released a statement of their own:
“It’s beyond upsetting to see the police department continue to put out distorted, piecemeal information. We stand by everything we’ve stated to date. We have supporting video. And for some reason, the department seems to forget that we were also present on scene.
When patrol officers arrived, Desman was calm and cooperative with them. He did NOT confront officers with any firearms when they arrived. Then, for some reason, the department made the outrageous decision to form a perimeter around Desman’s home and point nine rifles at all the doors and windows.
Now, the police appear to claim that Desman was shot because officers suddenly thought he was going to shoot him. They have produced zero evidence of this.
Yes, Desman had a gun. So it wouldn’t be surprising if an officer saw in Desman’s room that he was holding a gun. But he was only a threat to himself. Officers pointing rifles at him certainly didn’t deescalate things. It made it worse.
Simply put, we called for a wellness check on Desman. Not a swat team mission designed to take his life. Their actions have devastated us. It is inexcusable.”
Family of Desman LaDuke
This is an ongoing investigation.
This a developing story. Stay with LEX 18 as we gather more information.
