LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro Police Officer Nickolas Wilt had been with the department less than two weeks before a mass shooter opened fire at a downtown bank Monday morning. He "ran towards the fire" to "save lives", and was shot in the head in the process, police said.
Five victims were killed and several others -- including Wilt -- were injured in the shooting at Old National Bank. UofL Health said two other officers were injured.
The shooter, identified by police as 25-year-old Connor Sturgeon, was killed in a shootout with police.
As of Monday afternoon, Wilt was listed in critical condition after undergoing surgery for a gunshot wound to the head.
Wilt, 26, had just graduated from the police academy on March 31, according to LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel.
"I just swore him in and his family was there to witness his journey to become a police officer," Villaroel said.
He was on his fourth shift, according to Rep. Morgan McGarvey.
"Nick has come out of brain surgery and is in critical but stable condition," Villaroel said.
Wilt worked for the LaGrange Fire Department for seven years before becoming a police officer, WHAS11 has learned.
Oldham County had just congratulated Wilt on his graduation, which LaGrange FD had shared on its Facebook page.
Major Keith Smith said he wasn't surprised to hear Wilt stepped up and ran in to help. On the scene of an emergency, Smith said Wilt "would be right there in front of it, doing whatever job needed to be done."
He recalled the committed and passionate young man he met seven years ago, too young to drive the firetruck but itching to contribute more. As soon as he turned 21, he went through the training to get behind the wheel.
Two others were listed in critical condition; three others were treated and released from the hospital. Three others were still in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to hospital officials.
The Louisville Metro Police Foundation is seeking donations to take care of medical and recovery expenses.
You can donate on the foundation's social media post, which has already garnered more than $22,000.
Donations can also be sent through Venmo: @LouisvilleMetro-PoliceFoundati, or on the foundation's website by clicking here.
"All funds go directly to the family," the foundation said.
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