Hurstbourne Acres, Louisville, Kentucky, December 8, 2025
The Louisville Metro Police Department has identified Officers Michael Crowe and Austin Taylor as those involved in a fatal shooting on December 4 in Hurstbourne Acres. Officers responded to a 911 call about a man brandishing a firearm and, after he failed to comply with commands, both officers discharged their weapons, resulting in the man’s death. The investigation is ongoing, and body camera footage is expected to be released soon. Community reactions highlight the demand for transparency and accountability regarding police actions.
Louisville Police Identify Officers Involved in Fatal Shooting in Hurstbourne Acres
Louisville, Kentucky – The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) has identified Officers Michael Crowe and Austin Taylor as the officers involved in the fatal shooting of a man in the Hurstbourne Acres neighborhood on December 4, 2025. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. in the 9000 block of Red Deer Circle, near Hurstbourne Parkway and Taylorsville Road. Officers responded to a 911 call reporting a white man without a shirt pointing a gun at a woman. Upon arrival, they encountered a man matching the description, holding a firearm. After commands to drop the weapon were ignored, both officers fired their weapons, striking the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The man’s identity has not been released. Body camera footage of the incident is expected to be released within ten business days, in accordance with department protocol.
Officer Backgrounds
Officer Michael Crowe joined LMPD in 2017, following his tenure with Metro Corrections starting in 2014. He has received multiple commendations throughout his service. In 2021, Crowe was involved in a non-fatal police shooting in the Bashford Manor neighborhood, which led to a letter of reprimand for violating standard operating procedures, including traveling at high speeds without lights and sirens and failing to ensure his wearable video system was properly positioned. Despite these violations, the use of deadly force in that incident was deemed justified.
Officer Austin Taylor was hired by LMPD in 2020 and has also received multiple commendations. His only reprimand was for missing court dates.
Context of the Incident
The shooting in Hurstbourne Acres adds to a series of recent officer-involved shootings in Louisville. In November 2024, two police officers and a suspect were injured during a struggle over a gun in the Smoketown neighborhood. Additionally, in May 2024, Nicholas Pierce was fatally shot after approaching officers with a knife in his hand. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges related to police use of force and community safety in the city.
Public Response and Investigation
The LMPD has stated that the investigation into the December 4 shooting is ongoing. The department has committed to transparency and is expected to release body camera footage of the incident within the stipulated timeframe. The community and advocacy groups are closely monitoring the investigation, emphasizing the need for accountability and thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers.
Related Incidents in Louisville
Louisville has experienced several high-profile incidents involving police use of force in recent years. Notably, in March 2020, Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by police during a raid at her apartment, leading to widespread protests and calls for police reform. In November 2024, two police officers and a suspect were shot during a struggle over a gun in the Smoketown neighborhood. These events have intensified discussions about policing practices and the need for systemic changes within law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
The identification of Officers Crowe and Taylor in the December 4 shooting is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address police use of force in Louisville. The release of body camera footage and the continuation of the investigation are crucial steps toward ensuring transparency and accountability. The community remains vigilant, advocating for justice and reforms to prevent future incidents of this nature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the officers involved in the fatal shooting in Hurstbourne Acres?
The officers involved are Michael Crowe and Austin Taylor, both members of the Louisville Metro Police Department.
What led to the shooting incident on December 4, 2025?
Officers responded to a 911 call reporting a white man without a shirt pointing a gun at a woman. Upon arrival, they encountered a man matching the description, holding a firearm. After commands to drop the weapon were ignored, both officers fired their weapons, striking the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
What is the current status of the investigation into the shooting?
The investigation is ongoing, with the Louisville Metro Police Department committed to transparency. Body camera footage of the incident is expected to be released within ten business days, in accordance with department protocol.
Have the officers involved faced any previous disciplinary actions?
Yes, Officer Michael Crowe received a letter of reprimand in 2021 for violating standard operating procedures during a non-fatal police shooting. Officer Austin Taylor’s only reprimand was for missing court dates.
What is the community’s response to this incident?
The community and advocacy groups are closely monitoring the investigation, emphasizing the need for accountability and thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | December 4, 2025 |
| Location | 9000 block of Red Deer Circle, Hurstbourne Acres, Louisville, Kentucky |
| Officers Involved | Michael Crowe and Austin Taylor |
| Victim’s Status | Deceased; identity not released |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; body camera footage to be released within ten business days |
| Previous Incidents | Officer Crowe involved in a non-fatal shooting in 2021; Officer Taylor’s only reprimand for missing court dates |
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