LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Several minors have been arrested after a string of armed carjackings across Louisville.
Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) said there were multiple carjackings that occurred across the city in the 6th, 7th, and 8th Divisions on Wednesday night into the early hours Thursday.
There was a total of four carjackings. In each case, officers said the vehicle was taken from the owner and later recovered. The car jackings occurred once in the 6600 block of Newbridge Pl., once in the 500 block of Brattle Ct., and twice in the 5500 block of Hames Trace.
Several suspects under the age of 18 were identified and later arrested after the stolen vehicle they were driving crashed into a church at the intersection of S. 26th Street and W. Oak Street, officers said.
In addition to arresting several suspects, authorities said multiple stolen vehicles were recovered throughout the night.
Sloane Montano said the whole situation is "really scary to think about."
One neighbor who wished to remain anonymous heard screeching Wednesday night.
"I thought they was doing donuts in the parking lot," they said. "Now when I looked at the news, and I'm like, that's what that noise was."
Anyone with any additional information regarding these crimes can call LMPD's anonymous tip line at (502) 574-LMPD. Due to the suspects being minors, no additional information is available.
"We live in a day and age these days, where you have a lot of youth that don't have guidance," Michelle said. She did not want to give her last name. "It's not that I'm going to be scared. I'll just be more watchful and worried."
Some tips to follow to prevent yourself from being carjacked include:
- Park in busy, well-lit areas
- Always be aware and limit distractions, such as cell phone use. Make eye contact
- If someone is approaching your vehicle, drive away
- Be a good witness (get detail of clothing & physical descriptors) and call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so
- Property is replaceable
LMPD is urging people to remove firearms, purses, wallets, and keys from their vehicles when parked for an extended period of time or overnight.
Auto thefts and thefts from vehicles are more common issues, police said. Officers explained that people often leave their valuables visible and their cars unlocked with their keys/fobs inside and sometimes running unattended.
"Please ensure your vehicle is locked, even when you are pumping gas," A spokesperson for the department said. "Stolen cars/carjacked vehicles are frequently used in the commission of other serious crimes."
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