Louisville Metro Police are investigating after an officer shot a suspect in the parking lot of a downtown business late Thursday afternoon.
It happened just after 4:30 behind Kramer's Smoke Shop at 401 E. Jefferson Street near Preston.
Initial reports indicated there may have been a robbery at McDonald's on Market Street, which is less than a block away behind Kramer's, but that turned out to be untrue.
According to Louisville Metro Police Chief Robert White, the incident started when an attempted carjacking was reported at Preston and Liberty. White says there were two women in the car when the suspect, described as a Hispanic male, threatened them with a gun and forced his way into their vehicle.
"He pointed the gun towards the victims of the carjacking," White said. "They in turn called the police."
At some point, the suspect got out of the car and ran toward Jefferson and Preston.
White says a male and female officer cornered the man in the parking lot of Kramer's Smoke Shop. White says the male officer fired several shots when the suspect refused to drop his gun.
"They ordered him to drop his handgun, which he did not," White said. "In fact, he raised it towards one of the officers, at which time that officer fired several shots, striking him."
The suspect was struck at least once and taken to University Hospital. Police say they do not believe his injuries are life-threatening.
No word yet on the suspect's identity.
White says the two officers involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure anytime an officer fires his weapon. White says he believes the officers acted appropriately.
Police blocked nearby streets while interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence after the shooting, meaning Bats fans on their way to see a playoff game scheduled for 6 o'clock at Slugger Field had to find an alternate route.