Louisville, December 21, 2025
In Louisville, KY, police have been involved in 10 shootings in 2025, with three incidents occurring in December alone. The most notable incidents include a December 18 shooting in the Russell neighborhood where an officer critically injured a suspect, and a December 19 traffic stop shooting on Bardstown Road. The community is calling for transparency and thorough investigations as the LMPD addresses rising gun violence through various strategies, including increased police visibility and targeted enforcement.
Louisville Police Involved in 10 Shootings in 2025, Including Three in December
Louisville, Kentucky – In 2025, the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) was involved in 10 police shootings, with three occurring in December.
Recent Incidents
On December 18, an officer shot and critically injured a man in the Russell neighborhood. The incident began with a ShotSpotter alert on West Chestnut Street near 23rd Street. The officer ordered the man to show his hands, but he claimed to have a gun and refused to comply. When the suspect reached toward his waistband, the officer discharged his weapon multiple times, striking the suspect several times. The man was taken to UofL Health Hospital in critical condition.
The following day, December 19, another officer-involved shooting occurred on Bardstown Road near the Gardiner Lane Shopping Center. The incident began as a traffic stop when an officer observed two drivers arguing. A shooting ensued between the two drivers, and the officer ordered them to stop. One officer fired their weapon, injuring the driver of a Chevy Tahoe in both arms. The other driver fled the scene. Investigators are uncertain whether the officer’s gunfire or the other driver’s gunfire caused the injuries. The injured driver was taken to UofL Hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.
Year-to-Date Overview
Throughout 2025, LMPD officers have been involved in several other shootings, including incidents where suspects were armed. Notably, on January 4, officers fired at Austin Schepers, who was wanted for shooting an Indiana sheriff’s deputy. Schepers appeared to attempt to ambush officers and fired several shots toward them. Officers returned fire, and Schepers was later found in the backyard of a house on Wheeler Avenue.
Community and Official Responses
In response to the recent shootings, community leaders and advocates have called for increased transparency and thorough investigations. Louisville Metro Councilman Dan Seum, Jr. expressed support for the police, stating that they are “out here to protect” and that the community should back them “until we know otherwise.” He emphasized the importance of trusting officers’ training in handling such incidents.
Anti-violence advocates have also addressed the need for patience and transparency in the investigations. Kenneth Forbes, founder of M.O.M.S., acknowledged the public’s eagerness for answers but emphasized the importance of allowing time for thorough investigations.
Background Context
The increase in officer-involved shootings in Louisville coincides with a broader trend of rising gun violence in the city. In 2025, there have been 221 criminal shootings, a 25% decrease from the previous year. However, the number of shootings remains a significant concern for public safety.
The LMPD has implemented various strategies to address gun violence, including increased police visibility and targeted enforcement in high-crime areas. In the 1st division, officers have seized 250 illegal firearms over 288 days, contributing to a decrease in shootings and homicides.
As investigations into the recent shootings continue, both law enforcement and community leaders emphasize the need for transparency, accountability, and ongoing efforts to reduce violence in Louisville.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total number of police-involved shootings in Louisville in 2025?
In 2025, the Louisville Metro Police Department was involved in 10 police shootings.
How many police-involved shootings occurred in December 2025?
Three police-involved shootings occurred in December 2025.
What were the circumstances of the December 18, 2025, shooting in the Russell neighborhood?
On December 18, an officer shot and critically injured a man in the Russell neighborhood after the suspect claimed to have a gun and refused to comply with orders to show his hands.
What happened during the December 19, 2025, shooting on Bardstown Road?
On December 19, an officer-involved shooting occurred on Bardstown Road near the Gardiner Lane Shopping Center. The incident began as a traffic stop when an officer observed two drivers arguing. A shooting ensued between the two drivers, and the officer ordered them to stop. One officer fired their weapon, injuring the driver of a Chevy Tahoe in both arms. The other driver fled the scene. Investigators are uncertain whether the officer’s gunfire or the other driver’s gunfire caused the injuries.
How has the community responded to the recent shootings involving LMPD officers?
Community leaders and advocates have called for increased transparency and thorough investigations. Louisville Metro Councilman Dan Seum, Jr. expressed support for the police, stating that they are “out here to protect” and that the community should back them “until we know otherwise.” Anti-violence advocates have also addressed the need for patience and transparency in the investigations.
What measures is LMPD taking to address gun violence in Louisville?
The LMPD has implemented various strategies to address gun violence, including increased police visibility and targeted enforcement in high-crime areas. In the 1st division, officers have seized 250 illegal firearms over 288 days, contributing to a decrease in shootings and homicides.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Police-Involved Shootings in 2025 | 10 |
| Police-Involved Shootings in December 2025 | 3 |
| December 18, 2025, Shooting Location | Russell neighborhood |
| December 19, 2025, Shooting Location | Bardstown Road near Gardiner Lane Shopping Center |
| Community Response | Calls for transparency and thorough investigations |
| LMPD’s Strategy to Address Gun Violence | Increased police visibility and targeted enforcement in high-crime areas |
Now Happening on X
- @WLKY (December 21, 2025, 3:14 AM) Louisville Metro Police are investigating after a man was shot and killed near the Pleasure Ridge Park area, with details emerging about the incident’s circumstances. View on X
- @LouisvilleMayor (December 20, 2025, 7:00 PM) Mayor Craig Greenberg announced new public safety initiatives, including a First Responder Drone Program and a new LMPD headquarters to enhance emergency response and officer coordination in downtown Louisville. View on X
- @courierjournal (December 19, 2025, 11:15 PM) LMPD has identified the officers who fired their weapons in two separate recent police shootings, providing new details on the involved incidents. View on X
- @courierjournal (December 19, 2025, 1:00 PM) An LMPD officer shot and injured a man in the Gardiner Lane neighborhood during a confrontation, as part of ongoing officer-involved shooting investigations. View on X
- @WDRBNews (December 20, 2025, 3:24 AM) Court records identify the suspect involved in a Louisville officer-involved shooting following a reported crime spree, shedding light on the sequence of events. View on X
- @WDRBNews (December 18, 2025, 7:59 PM) A Louisville officer shot an armed man in the Russell neighborhood after a ShotSpotter alert, with police confirming the suspect’s actions led to the use of force. View on X
- @courierjournal (December 16, 2025, 10:30 PM) Emergency crews responded to a car crash in Louisville’s East End that sparked an apartment fire, highlighting ongoing public safety challenges in the area. View on X
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