Louisville, UK – In a tragic incident, a car chase led to a fatal collision in the Portland neighborhood of Louisville. The suspect involved in the chase has been charged with murder, among other offenses. The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) is investigating the case.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at around 6:20 p.m. when an LMPD officer initiated a traffic stop on Pflanz Avenue. The reason behind the initiation of the traffic stop has not been disclosed by the police.

According to LMPD spokesperson Dwight Mitchell, the officer activated their emergency equipment for 11 seconds after which the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Coley Stotts, fled in his vehicle. The officer then began to pursue Stotts.

The pursuit continued until Stotts drove towards the intersection of 34th Street and Bank Street, where his vehicle collided with another car. Both Stotts and the driver of the second vehicle were rushed to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, the driver hit by Stotts was pronounced dead, while Stotts sustained non-fatal injuries.

Further investigation revealed that Stotts’ vehicle was stolen from Indianapolis. As a result, Stotts has been charged with murder, auto theft, receiving a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, first-degree criminal mischief, fleeing or evading police, and disregarding a traffic control device.

Regarding the compliance of the officer involved with police protocol during the incident, LMPD spokesperson John Bradley declined to provide any information, stating that the investigation is ongoing.

LMPD’s Pursuit Policy and Prior Incidents

In 2022, former LMPD Chief Erika Shields implemented a strict pursuit policy to reduce high-speed chases and the associated risks of deaths and injuries. This decision came after an investigation by the Courier Journal highlighted several deaths linked to police pursuits in Louisville.

Under the LMPD’s standard operating procedures on pursuits, officers can only pursue another vehicle if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the person has committed a violent felony, is wanted for a violent felony, or is under investigation for a violent felony.

Court records indicate that Stotts has a criminal history, including prior felony convictions for fourth-degree assault, first-degree wanton endangerment, and possession of a firearm by a person with a felony conviction. However, it remains unclear whether the officer was aware of Stotts’ criminal background before initiating the pursuit.

LMPD officers are expected to use their emergency equipment during pursuits, as stated in the department’s policy. Violations of pursuit policy have resulted in consequences for officers in the past. For instance, in December 2023, officer Ben Sullivan faced a civil trial where a jury awarded $31 million in damages to the family of a man killed during a vehicle pursuit.