Lexington’s City Council Thursday night heard from three family members of a man seriously injured during a police response last week.
Police were called to a Garden Springs neighborhood after a report of a 19- year-old male experiencing a mental crisis and making threats. During the police investigation, Liam Long was struck by a police vehicle. He suffered significant injuries and is still hospitalized. Long’s mother Kendra Long offered comments during the virtual council meeting. “My son is a teenager with autism and mental health challenges. While he needed care, he was responded to with force,” said Long.
Long’s sisters both spoke and said they were in search of more information about what happened. Kendra Long said her son suffered a brain bleed and broken bones. She said he doesn’t remember anything about the incident. Long and her two daughters all asked for changes in the police collective bargaining agreement to address their concerns. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton told family members they would get more answers.
Police Chief Lawrence Weathers called the incident horrific and heart-breaking. The chief said more information including body camera video should be released by the middle of next week. “We can’t control everything and unfortunate incidents do happen. I apologize to the family for it. I apologize to Mr. Long who was injured,” Weathers said.
Weathers said the Kentucky State Police have been asked to review the local police department’s investigation of the matter.
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