Hurstbourne Acres, Louisville, 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. The incident occurred when officers responded to a report of a man threatening a woman while armed. The officers ordered the suspect to drop his weapon, and when he failed to comply, they opened fire, resulting in the man’s death at the scene. The ongoing investigation aims to ensure accountability and transparency within the community.
Louisville, Kentucky: Police Identify Officers Involved in Fatal Shooting in Hurstbourne Acres
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.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred around 1:30 p.m. in the 9000 block of Red Deer Circle. Officers responded to a 911 call reporting a white man without a shirt pointing a gun at a woman. Upon arrival, Officers Crowe and Taylor encountered a man matching the description, holding a gun near the stairwell leading to the parking lot. The officers ordered the man to drop the weapon; when he did not comply, both officers fired, striking the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The man’s identity has not been released.
Officer Backgrounds
Officer Michael Crowe joined LMPD in 2017 after serving as a Metro Corrections officer. He has received multiple commendations and one letter of reprimand for a March 2021 non-fatal police shooting in the Bashford Manor neighborhood. The reprimand was for violating standard operating procedures by traveling at a high rate of speed without lights and sirens activated and failing to ensure his wearable video system was properly positioned to record the incident. Despite the reprimand, the use of deadly force in that incident was deemed justified. Crowe was also commended for saving the life of a fellow officer who had been shot by the suspect during that encounter.
Officer Austin Taylor was hired by LMPD in 2020. He has received multiple commendations and has one reprimand for missing court dates. No further details about his prior service were provided.
Investigation and Protocols
LMPD has stated that body camera footage of the December 4 shooting will be released within ten business days, in accordance with department protocol for incidents involving officer use of deadly force. The department is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Context
This incident adds to a series of recent events involving LMPD. In November 2025, two officers and a suspect were injured during a struggle over a gun in the Smoketown neighborhood. Additionally, in November 2025, LMPD released the names of two officers involved in a fatal shooting of a man suspected in a robbery. These events highlight ongoing concerns and discussions regarding police use of force and community relations in Louisville.
Related Incidents
In 2020, the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor by LMPD officers during a raid on her apartment drew national attention and led to widespread protests and calls for police reform. The case remains a significant point of discussion regarding law enforcement practices and accountability.
Community Response
The community’s response to this latest incident is still unfolding. Local organizations and residents are calling for transparency and accountability from LMPD. Public forums and meetings are being organized to discuss the incident and broader issues related to policing in Louisville.
Conclusion
The identification of Officers Crowe and Taylor and the forthcoming release of body camera footage are steps toward transparency in the investigation of the December 4 shooting. The community and stakeholders await further information and the outcomes of the ongoing investigation to understand the circumstances fully and address the concerns raised by this incident.
FAQ
Who are the officers involved in the fatal shooting in Hurstbourne Acres?
The officers involved are Michael Crowe and Austin Taylor, both of whom are members of the Louisville Metro Police Department.
What led to the shooting 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 gun, and ordered him to drop the weapon. When he did not comply, both officers fired, striking the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
What is the current status of the investigation?
LMPD is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Body camera footage is expected to be released within ten business days, in accordance with department protocol for incidents involving officer use of deadly force.
Have the officers been involved in previous incidents?
Officer Michael Crowe was involved in a non-fatal police shooting in 2021, for which he received a letter of reprimand for violating standard operating procedures. Officer Austin Taylor has one reprimand for missing court dates but no other details about prior incidents were provided.
How is the community responding to this incident?
The community is calling for transparency and accountability from LMPD. Local organizations and residents are organizing public forums and meetings to discuss the incident and broader issues related to policing in Louisville.
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 |
| Subject’s Description | White male without a shirt, holding a gun |
| Outcome | Subject pronounced dead at the scene; officers unharmed |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; body camera footage to be released within ten business days |
| Community Response | Calls for transparency and accountability; public forums being organized |
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