Community seeking transparency after shooting of Doug Harless

LONDON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – In the past few months community members in London have been expressing their dissatisfaction and concerns with their law enforcement agencies.

This as the London City Council has convened multiple meetings in light of the police shooting that claimed the life of 63-year-old Doug Harless.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Sarah Blonder, as she described the current situation in London.

“To lose a member of the community that, from what I’ve heard, was such an asset. He was so nice, kind and generous from what I’ve heard.”

According to officials, on December 23, 2024 London police officers reportedly served a warrant for a stolen weed-eater at the wrong address in Lily, Kentucky. Officers allegedly forced their way into a home and fatally shot Harless, an apparently innocent man, when, they say, he pointed a firearm at them.

“Doug was a Christian man, he was very peaceful himself and in order to be his voice appropriately, we need to be that way as well.”

Now Blonder says the community must keep the memory of Harless alive, while also seeking accountability.

“But we need transparency and the elected officials, and the officials that were involved, to be held accountable.”

In the meantime, the community has been peacefully marching in Doug’s memory trying to draw attention to what they say was an injustice.

“I’m hoping we can bring Doug’s name back into the meetings again, because his name hasn’t been mentioned as much lately.”

Blonder says the recent meetings have been chaos. She along with others are asking the governor to acknowledge what happened.

“We would love for Mr. Beshear to come forward and at least offer condolences to the family.”

The most recent meeting on Monday ended with several members escorted out by law enforcement.