Louisville constable resigns as part of plea deal in shooting of shoplifting suspect

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A Jefferson County constable indicted after shooting a shoplifting suspect in a Walmart parking lot has resigned as part of a plea deal.

David Whitlock was charged with assault and wanton endangerment after approaching Tammie Ortiz last November to question her about shoplifting and shot her has she drove away. Whitlock has said he accidently fired the gun.

He entered an Alford plea, which means he did not admit guilt, but conceded there was enough evidence for a conviction. The Courier-Journal reports that a judge on Friday sentenced him to diversion. Terms of the deal also forbid him from seeking another law enforcement position.

Constables are constitutional officers endowed with peace officer powers, but are not required to be screened or trained before or after taking office.