Julian Leon Faulkner, who was shot after he allegedly attacked a Covington police officer with a sword Wednesday, was described by neighbors as a “nice guy” with depression issues.

“He’s a very nice guy,” said James Clark, who lives across the street from Faulkner. “He’s just got mental issues. The police department knew that, but not all of the officers knew that.”

Clark said officers familiar with Faulkner often stopped by to check on him, making sure he was OK. He said Faulkner had lived in his Thompson Avenue home for about a year.

“I saw him the day before and he seemed fine,” Clark said.

So did Robert Cartledge, another neighbor who described Faulkner as a friend.

“He’s a nice guy, he really is,” Cartledge said. “He’s a father, a pretty good dad in my opinion. He got his kids a couple weeks each month.”

Cartledge saw Faulkner just before he allegedly attacked the CPD officer.

“He’s really not a bad guy. He’s a normal guy dealing with problems,” Cartledge said. “Everybody in this economy is going through some kind of problem. I think he should get some help. Hopefully, this time he gets the help he needs.”

Clark said Faulkner had a few swords, but “I never paid much attention to that.” He’d never threatened anyone or walked around with a sword before, Clark said, so decorative swords didn’t seem a big deal.