Louisville, Kentucky, December 8, 2025
The Louisville Metro Police Department has identified Officers Michael Crowe and Austin Taylor as the officers involved in a fatal shooting in the Hurstbourne Acres neighborhood. The incident occurred when officers responded to a 911 call regarding a man pointing a gun at a woman. After the suspect failed to comply with orders to drop his weapon, both officers fired, resulting in the man’s death. The ongoing investigation into the incident will determine the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force.
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville Police Identify Officers Involved in Fatal Shooting
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 located 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 and failing to ensure his wearable video system was properly positioned. However, the use of deadly force in that incident was deemed justified. Officer Crowe also received a commendation for saving the life of a fellow officer who had been shot by the suspect.
Officer Austin Taylor was hired by LMPD in 2020. He has received multiple commendations and has one reprimand for missing court dates.
Investigation and Protocols
As per department protocol, body camera footage of the December 4 shooting will be released within ten business days. The investigation into the incident is ongoing to determine the circumstances leading to the use of deadly force.
Context
This incident adds to the list of officer-involved shootings in Louisville. In November 2025, LMPD released the names of Officers Patrick Norton and Richard Waller, who fatally shot a man suspected of robbery. Officer Norton was involved in another fatal officer-involved shooting in 2019. These events highlight the ongoing challenges and scrutiny faced by law enforcement agencies in the use of force and community relations.
Conclusion
The recent officer-involved shooting in Hurstbourne Acres has reignited conversations on the dynamics between law enforcement and community safety in Louisville. It is essential for citizens to remain informed about such incidents and support measures that promote accountability while fostering a safer environment for all. Engaging with local dialogues about public safety and community relations is vital as Louisville navigates these challenging issues in its efforts to enhance community trust and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who were the officers involved in the fatal shooting in Hurstbourne Acres?
- Officers Michael Crowe and Austin Taylor were involved in the fatal shooting of a man in the Hurstbourne Acres neighborhood on December 4, 2025.
- What led to the shooting?
- Officers responded to a 911 call reporting a white man without a shirt pointing a gun at a woman. Upon arrival, they located a man matching the description, holding a gun. After ordering him to drop the weapon and receiving no compliance, both officers fired, striking the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
- What is known about Officer Michael Crowe’s background?
- 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 and failing to ensure his wearable video system was properly positioned. However, the use of deadly force in that incident was deemed justified. Officer Crowe also received a commendation for saving the life of a fellow officer who had been shot by the suspect.
- What is known about Officer Austin Taylor’s background?
- Officer Austin Taylor was hired by LMPD in 2020. He has received multiple commendations and has one reprimand for missing court dates.
- When will the body camera footage of the incident be released?
- As per department protocol, body camera footage of the December 4 shooting will be released within ten business days.
- Has there been any previous officer-involved shootings in Louisville?
- Yes, in November 2025, LMPD released the names of Officers Patrick Norton and Richard Waller, who fatally shot a man suspected of robbery. Officer Norton was involved in another fatal officer-involved shooting in 2019. These events highlight the ongoing challenges and scrutiny faced by law enforcement agencies in the use of force and community relations.
| Key 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 | Pronounced dead at the scene; identity not released |
| Officer Backgrounds | Crowe: Joined LMPD in 2017; Taylor: Joined in 2020 |
| Previous Incidents | Crowe: Involved in a non-fatal shooting in 2021; Taylor: One reprimand for missing court dates |
| Body Camera Footage Release | Within ten business days, as per department protocol |
| Context | Highlights ongoing challenges and scrutiny faced by law enforcement agencies in the use of force and community relations |
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Louisville Police Identify Officers Involved in Fatal Shooting
Louisville Police Identify Officers Involved in Fatal Shooting
