Louisville Police Go To Arrest A Murder Suspect In The Projects, What Happens Next Is INSANITY

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro Police on Friday arrested a homicide suspect who took officers on a vehicle pursuit before hiding in a Park Hill apartment.

Officers were in the neighborhood just before noon when they saw Deandre Smithers, 20, who spokesperson Beth Ruoff said was wanted on an active arrest warrant in connection to the March 16 homicide of Demontray Rhodes at 12th and Hill streets.

When officers saw Smithers Friday, the suspect fled into a nearby apartment on Brashear Drive near 12th and Hill streets, Ruoff said.

"Due to the violent nature of the arrest warrant the SWAT team was called as was the Hostage Negotiating Team," Ruoff said.

The negotiating team "attempted numerous times to communicate in order for Smithers to voluntarily surrender." SWAT was used, and officials took Smithers into custody "without incident," Ruoff said.

Live stream video posted to Facebook depicted a tense scene featuring dozens of residents and law enforcement personnel outside the apartment complex.

"During this situation, civilians attempted to intervene and disrupt the police action," Ruoff said. "The safety & protection of the community we serve are paramount to LMPD. On scenes, when officers give orders to bystanders it is to ensure the safety of everyone so suspects may be taken into custody in the safest possible manner."