Officer arrested in Louisville

In a surprising turn of events, Officer Downs of the Louisville Metro Police Department has been arrested on charges of theft and official misconduct. The arrest occurred early Wednesday morning during a traffic stop, where Downs allegedly took approximately $4,000 from an envelope he discovered while searching a suspect. The officer has been charged with theft by unlawful taking over $1,000, prompting the police chief to place him on emergency suspension and initiate termination proceedings. Downs' recent arrest has drawn attention due to his involvement in the controversial arrest of professional golfer Scottie Scheffler during the PGA Championship in May. Reports indicate that Downs failed to activate his body camera during the incident, raising concerns about transparency and accountability within the police department. The arrest of Scheffler, which involved claims of excessive force, has been a focal point of public scrutiny. Detective Bryan Gillis, another officer involved in Scheffler's arrest, has also faced criticism after the golfer reported sustaining injuries during the encounter. Eyewitness accounts and video footage from the scene have further complicated the narrative, showing Gillis appearing to swing at Scheffler's vehicle as it approached the entrance of Valhalla Golf Club. In light of these developments, the Louisville Metro Police Department is under increased pressure to address issues of misconduct and ensure proper conduct among its officers, as the community seeks accountability in both the recent arrest and the handling of Scheffler's case.