LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Multiple arrests have been made in connection to a massive shootout outside an apartment complex near Hikes Point on New Years Day.
According to Louisville Metro Police (LMPD), officers responded to the 3000 block of Breckenridge Lane on a report of two groups of people shooting at each other.
When officers arrived on scene, they discovered that the two groups had fired nearly 600 rounds. Police did not say if the shootout was gang-related.
LMPD said in a press release that several vehicles and nearby apartments were hit with bullets, but thankfully no one was injured.
Through witness testimony, anonymous tips and video surveillance, detectives were able to identify several suspects involved in the shootout.
LMPD worked with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to conduct a joint investigation which resulted in multiple search warrants across the Metro using the SWAT team.
Authorities were able to arrest six people allegedly involved in the shootout.
Two of the six were also charged with a teen's December murder in St. Denis.
On Jan. 13, 12 days after the shootout, WHAS11 went to the Enclave at Breckenridge Apartments to talk to tenants. Some told us, bullets went through their apartment windows and cars.
Alena Rhodes, who lives on the second floor with her boyfriend, says seconds made a difference.
"It almost [hit] him," she said. "Now, whenever he hears a pop noise or anything, he literally has a panic attack."
Numerous bullet holes could still be seen across the complex, along with damage to apartment buildings and fences.
Another tenant, who wanted to remain anonymous, lives next door to Rhodes. He called the shootout a close call, as he says gunfire came close to hitting his roommate. He worries how desensitized Louisville has become to violence, even the most extreme.
"My coworkers, when I was telling them about this, they said, 'Oh, yeah it happens every year,' having no concern. They're just too used to it, and it's awful to know they're too used to it," he said.
Earlier in the week, Louisville Interim Police Chief Jackie Gwinn-Villaroel said given how many rounds were fired, it was fortunate no one lost their life.
"But that does not negate the fact that that happened," she said. "We all need to work together to ensure that we're all safe."
LMPD said police recovered five stolen vehicles and seized eight guns, three of which were rifles, and two Glock switches throughout the investigation.
"What occurred on New Year's is unacceptable," Special Agent in Charge Shawn Morrow of ATF's Louisville Division said in a statement.
Authorities say their investigation remains active and ongoing.
“We understand this video is alarming however, we want the citizens of Louisville to know that the LMPD is committed to utilizing every available resource at our disposal to fight violent crime,” police said.
Anyone with any information regarding this case is urged to contact LMPD's anonymous tip line at 502-574-5673 (LMPD).
Shootout suspects charged
Shawn Martin
- 1st Degree - Trafficking in controlled substance - Heroin
- 1st Degree - Trafficking in controlled substance – Fentanyl or carfentanial
- Receiving stolen property under $10,000
- Convicted felon in possession of a handgun
Brandon Walton
- Receiving stolen property $10,000 or more
Nathan Wolz
- Convicted felon in possession of a handgun
- Two counts of a convicted felon in possession of a firearm
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of controlled substance - 2nd Degree, hallucinogen
Justyn Walls (also charged with murder in St. Denis shooting)
- Receiving stolen property (firearm)
- Three counts of receiving stolen property $10,000 or more
- Receiving stolen property under $500
- Violation of a court order
Tevin Smyzer (also charged with murder in St. Denis shooting)
- Possession of marijuana
Dorius Robinson
- Convicted felon in possession of a handgun
- Three counts of theft by unlawful taking or disposition - Auto
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