Related to Crash of
Cop Car While Off-Duty
in Bullitt County, Ky.
Louisville, Ky., 6/26/24
Compiled with AI assistance*
Louisville Metro Police Detective Timothy Davis was arrested on Tuesday, 6/24/24 and charged with:
– tampering with physical evidence,
– criminal mischief,
– leaving the scene of an accident; and,
– reckless driving.
The misdemeanor charges result from crash of his police vehicle in Mt. Washington, Bullitt County, Kentucky, on 5/18/24 when Davis was off duty. No injuries were reported.
It is not likely he would face jail time even if he was to plea guilty; but, with the LMPD beleaguered with misconduct complaints, it is possible he could be disciplined, reassigned, or discharged.
Detectives frequently testify in trials of criminal cases.
The nature of the crimes alleged against Davis are such that they could discredit his credibility at future trials, depending on how the judge and jury view it.
This factor may require transfer into a different role, perhaps a desk or complaint “intake” officer role.
Many police departments have “fleet take-home” programs that allow officers to drive their cop cars home and use for off-duty personal trips.
The rationale for such programs is that they increase apparent police presence, deter crime; and, cops are actually always required to intervene to protect public safety even when off duty. Many cops say they are always on-duty.
Bullitt County, Kentucky
Shepardsville is the county seat of Bullitt County, Kentucky; and, is a “home rule class” city.
Mt. Washington, Ky., in Bullitt County is also a “home rule class” city.
Kentucky recently updated city classifications. There are now two main classifications:
First Class cities have a mayor-alderman form of government.
Home Rule Class cities have a mayor-council, commission, or city manager form of government that allows greater autonomy, with authority to act being restricted per “Dillon’s Rule” in accord with Kentucky law.
Dillon’s Rule is the principle that local authorities cannot act beyond what state law specifically allows.
Forty of the USA’s fifty states follow Dillon’s Rule, including the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Endnotes:
* Story assisted by AI source (MS Edge browser AI “CoPilot”) 6/26/24.
Shepardsville, Ky. https://shepherdsvilleky.gov/government/city-departments/city-administration/ordinances/
