LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) has made an arrest after a critical collision that happened in the Portland neighborhood on Wednesday.
Coley J. Stotts, 26, is charged with murder, RSP/over Auto, RSP/Firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, criminal mischief 1st degree, fleeing or evading police 1st degree, and disregarding a traffic control device.
In a late night media briefing, LMPD spokesperson Dwight Mitchell said an officer initiated a traffic stop around 6:20 p.m. in the 3300 block of Pflanz Avenue.
"The officer activated his emergency equipment for approximately 11 seconds," he said.
The driver, Coley Stotts, fled and entered the intersection of 34th and Bank Streets, where the vehicle collided with another vehicle Mitchell said; the officer had turned off his emergency equipment after Stotts began to flee.
He added the other driver, later identified as Russell E. Barnett Jr., 54, did have the right of way.
Both men were taken to the hospital according to Mitchell; Barnett died at the hospital, and Stotts is expected to survive.
"This is a very unfortunate thing that's happened tonight," he said. "Senseless death that has taken place."
During their investigation, Mitchell said they were able to confirm the vehicle the suspect was driving was stolen out of Indianapolis.
The cars were also seen in the parking lot of a business at the intersection of 35th and Bank Streets.
Anyone with information is asked to call LMPD's anonymous tipline (502) 574-LMPD (5673) or use their online tip portal.
Watch the full news conference below
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