On the afternoon of April 20th, 2025, Louisville Metro police officers responded to a disturbance call in the 3300 block of Bardstown Avenue involving a man who was reportedly yelling, possibly intoxicated, and damaging apartment property. When officers arrived, they made contact with 36-year-old Cortez McCollum and attempted to assess the situation. During the encounter, officers observed that McCollum was armed with a knife and immediately issued verbal commands instructing him not to reach for the weapon. What's the matter? None at all. Huh? None at all. None at all. Ready? What's going on? What you got in your pocket there? None at all. Looks like a knife. It is. Okay, if you I'm going to tell you right now, if you reach for that knife, I'm going to shoot you. You understand that? You understand what I'm saying? >> arrest me? You a Mason? I I I'm not arresting you. I'm just telling you if you reach for that knife, I'm going to shoot you. Why are you a Mason? You understand that? >> a Mason? No, I'm not a Mason. Yeah, you are. Are you? Yeah, you are. Okay. I'm a Hatume, so don't even try. >> So, what's going on with you? Nothing. See you right there all the time. 515, disregard the tones. Return to 6 right this minute. So, what's going on with you? Yep. Hold up. Hold up. I need to talk to you and find out what's going on. Yep. Why you touch me? No. All right. Put your hands behind your back. Put your hands behind your back. >> Put your hands behind your back. Behind your back. Officers immediately began rendering medical aid while awaiting emergency medical services. McCollum was transported to the University of Louisville Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The incident is being reviewed in accordance with department policy. No officers were seriously injured during the encounter.