LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A man is in the hospital after police said he was shot while trying to stop a carjacking Tuesday night. According to Louisville Metro Police (LMPD), the incident happened on Echelon Way in Middletown around 7:30 p.m.
Investigators said a woman was getting out of her car when a group of men assaulted her, stealing her keys and a car. Police said her husband heard her screaming and came to help. That’s when he was shot by the suspect as they drove off.
He was taken to UofL Hospital with serious injuries.
Neighbor Kevin Portale said he heard three gunshots Wednesday night. When he ran outside, he saw that his neighbor had been shot.
"I just told him to hang in there when I was out by the door," he said.
Portale admitted he wasn't totally surprised by the crime, since his own license plate was stolen a few days before.
"It just seems like it's happening all over now," Portale said. "It's not just one area. It could be like it was - your next door neighbor."
For some, the incident still came as a shock.
"We're right here in the middle of Middletown, we have a lot of really nice neighborhoods and nice shops around here so you wouldn't think about something bad happening like that," Grant Leneave said.
According to department data, LMPD has already responded to 223 carjackings in 2021. That's more than last year's total of 212, and more than 2018 and 2019's totals (101 and 81, respectively) combined.
In Middletown, neighbors said they will reassess their habits.
"I usually try to look around before I get out of my car anyways because I know carjackings have been on the rise, but I'll definitely try to look around and lock my car," Leneave said.
At the request of Middletown Police, LMPD’s Robbery Unit is handling the investigation. Police do not currently have any suspects. If you have information about this incident, you can leave an anonymous tip by calling 574-LMPD (5673) or through the online portal.
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