A dispute over food took a violent turn last weekend, leaving a woman hospitalized with a gunshot wound and a 57-year-old man behind bars.
Kenneth Beals remains in custody at the Louisville Metropolitan Detention Center following his arrest Sunday. He faces charges of second-degree assault and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon after Louisville Metropolitan Police say he shot a woman who confronted him for eating snacks she had purchased for her children.
READ: ‘Break A Knife Off In Their Guts’: Florida Man Gets Over 6 Years For Threats To Federal Informant
According to the arrest report, officers were called to the University of Louisville Hospital around 7:00 p.m. Sunday, where the victim had arrived with a gunshot wound to her left arm. She told investigators the altercation began at a residence earlier that evening when her aunt witnessed Beals eating the food intended for the victim’s kids.
When the woman crossed paths with Beals as he was leaving the home, she asked him about the missing food. Police say Beals’ response was blunt.
“Yes, I ate your snack, and it was good,” Beals allegedly told her.
READ: Waistband Stuffed With ‘100% Pure’ Meth: Tennessee Jail Guard Gets 10-Year Federal Sentence
Immediately following the remark, investigators say Beals drew a handgun and fired a single shot, striking the woman in the arm. She was able to drive herself to the emergency room, where she was treated for injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Witnesses at the scene corroborated the woman’s account, identifying Beals as the shooter.
Beals was arraigned Monday and is currently being held on a $5,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on January 6, 2026.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
