A Louisville police officer issuing a citation to a pregnant homeless woman, despite her pleading that she was going into labor and wanted to be left alone. The incident, which happened in Louisville, Kentucky, has sparked criticism over the handling of the situation by police.
The footage shows Louisville Police Lt. Caleb Stewart approaching the woman and issuing her a citation for illegal street camping. This violation is part of Kentucky’s Safer Kentucky Act, which makes street camping a misdemeanor, requiring a court appearance and potentially leading to a fine. Despite the woman repeatedly telling Lt. Stewart she was in labor, he dismissed her claims, accusing her of lying.
The woman, who asked not to be identified, later gave birth the same day at a nearby hospital. Her public defender confirmed that she and her newborn son are now safe and staying in a shelter. However, they have not received any support from the police department.
After issuing the citation, Lt. Stewart returned to his patrol car and narrated his version of the events, stating he did not believe the woman’s claim that she was in labor.
“I don’t believe for a second that this woman is going into labor,” he said in the video. However, he called for an EMS unit “just in case” and continued to engage with her.
The footage also shows the woman telling Lt. Stewart multiple times that she was “leaking” and needed medical attention.
As she tried to leave to find her husband, who had gone to call an ambulance, Lt. Stewart raised his voice, leading to a tense exchange. “Y’all are evil people,” the woman said. She also accused the officers of harassing the homeless instead of helping society.
During the confrontation, an orange city dump truck arrived and removed the mattress the woman had been resting on before police arrived.
A spokesperson for the Louisville Police Department defended the officer’s actions, stating, “We support officers using discretion while on duty. We also understand that not everyone may agree with their decisions, but we remain committed to transparency.
The spokesperson added that without the officer’s call to EMS, the woman might have given birth without medical assistance. However, the department did not address whether Lt. Stewart faced any disciplinary action.
The woman’s public defender, Ryan Dischinger, criticized the officer’s response and the state law that criminalizes street camping. He explained that for homeless individuals in Kentucky, it’s almost impossible not to violate the Safer Kentucky Act.
“What she needed was help and compassion, but instead she was met with violence,” Dischinger told Louisville Public Media.
He also highlighted the challenges homeless people face due to the law, which he said unfairly punishes those already struggling. “This law doesn’t offer solutions; it only creates more barriers for vulnerable people,” he added.
The footage has reignited discussions about how law enforcement handles situations involving vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women and the homeless.
Many are questioning whether the officer acted appropriately or if more could have been done to provide immediate care and compassion. Critics argue that criminalizing homelessness only worsens the struggles of people who need assistance, not punishment.
The woman and her newborn son are now staying in a shelter, trying to recover from the ordeal. They have not received support from the police department, despite the department claiming credit for ensuring the woman’s safety by calling EMS.
The incident has left many asking whether officers should receive more training in dealing with sensitive situations involving homeless individuals, particularly those with urgent medical needs.
It also raises broader concerns about the treatment of homeless individuals under laws like the Safer Kentucky Act and the lack of resources available to those in need.
