Sometimes law enforcement officers work other jobs while they are off duty. Usually, it is a position similar to what they do as an officer, like private security. For example, officers will work clubs, patrol, or even work at car lots.

Ambushed

In Kentucky, a Jefferson County Sheriff was working a security job in a used car lot. According to WLKY, the officer was sitting in his security vehicle in the lot and in his security uniform at 2:30 a.m. when he was shot.

Louisville Metro Police Deparment Spokesperson Alicia Smiley said someone just walked right up to the vehicle and shot him. Shirley radioed for assistance.

The off-duty officer, 26-year-old Brandon Shirley, was taken from Rockford Lane Auto Sales to the University of Louisville Hospital. Officer Shirley went directly into surgery.

However, he had severe wounds and did not survive his surgery.

Locating the Suspect

The person or persons who shot the officer have not been found, though according to LMPD Chief Erika Shields there are a couple of possible suspects. She did not elaborate on the possible attackers because they want to be sure that they can arrest and convict the people involved.

Shields said, "He was targeted, and he was ambushed. It is just sickening. We will make an arrest." According to Smiley they have "very, very few leads to go on this point."

 “We would certainly ask the community to not only offer their prayers but to also send us information. If anyone saw something out of the ordinary, if they heard something in this area, please give us a call…”

LMPD Spokesperson Alicia Smiley

Officers are canvassing the area, attempting to locate the shooter.

“We have our Public Integrity Unit they are knocking on doors and actually canvassing the neighborhood to talk with people. K9 will be attempting to locate a track. The air unit is up. And again, that would include the community as well.”

LMPD Spokesperson Alicia Smiley

Decorated Officer

According to JCSO Sheriff John Aubrey, Shirley had been with the department since March 2019 as court security. He had just graduated from the academy in December of that year.

Recently, he had been presented with the Medal of Valor for his help in the fatal shooting of Tyler Gerth in Jefferson Square Park.

Major George Grissom said, "Everybody liked him. He was a good person, he was good to be around."