Hurstbourne Acres, 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 after police responded to a report of a man brandishing a gun. Upon arrival, the man reportedly ignored commands to drop the weapon, leading to both officers firing and fatally wounding him. The community has since called for transparency and dialogue regarding police-community relations amidst ongoing investigations.
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 incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. in the 9000 block of Red Deer Circle. LMPD responded to a 911 call reporting a white man, shirtless, pointing a gun at a woman. Officers Crowe and Taylor arrived at the scene and located a man matching the description, holding a firearm near the stairwell leading to the parking lot. Despite commands to drop the weapon, the man allegedly refused, prompting both officers to discharge their firearms, fatally wounding him. He 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 high 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. Crowe was also commended for saving the life of a fellow officer who was shot by the suspect.
Officer Austin Taylor was hired by LMPD in 2020. His personnel records indicate multiple commendations and a reprimand for missing court dates. No further details about his prior conduct 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 policy for incidents involving officer use of deadly force. The department is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting to ensure transparency and accountability.
Community Response
The Hurstbourne Acres community has expressed concern over the incident, with local residents calling for increased dialogue between law enforcement and community members. Community leaders are advocating for transparency in the investigation and are seeking to address underlying issues related to police-community relations.
Background Context
This incident adds to a series of officer-involved shootings in Louisville in recent years, prompting ongoing discussions about police practices, accountability, and community trust. The LMPD has been under scrutiny for its handling of previous incidents, including the 2020 fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor, which led to widespread protests and calls for reform. The department has since implemented various policy changes aimed at improving transparency and community relations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who were the officers involved in the fatal shooting in Hurstbourne Acres?
The officers involved were Michael Crowe and Austin Taylor of the Louisville Metro Police Department.
What led to the shooting?
Officers responded to a 911 call reporting a man pointing a gun at a woman. Upon arrival, they encountered a man matching the description, holding a firearm, and after commands to drop the weapon were allegedly ignored, both officers fired, fatally wounding him.
What is the current status of the investigation?
LMPD is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Body camera footage is scheduled to be released within ten business days, as per department policy for such incidents.
Have the officers been involved in previous incidents?
Officer Michael Crowe received a reprimand for a March 2021 non-fatal police shooting, while Officer Austin Taylor has a reprimand for missing court dates. No further details about their prior conduct were provided.
What is the community’s reaction to the incident?
Community members have expressed concern and are calling for increased dialogue between law enforcement and residents. They are advocating for transparency in the investigation and addressing underlying issues related to police-community relations.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 9000 block of Red Deer Circle, Hurstbourne Acres, Louisville, Kentucky |
| Date and Time | December 4, 2025, around 1:30 p.m. |
| Officers Involved | Michael Crowe and Austin Taylor |
| Incident Description | Response to a 911 call about a man pointing a gun at a woman; man allegedly refused to drop weapon, leading to fatal shooting by officers |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; body camera footage to be released within ten business days |
| Community Response | Calls for increased dialogue and transparency in the investigation |
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