Shooting Outside Louisville Motor Vehicle Office Leaves Three Dead, Police Investigate Suspects at Large
A tragic shooting outside a motor vehicle office in Louisville, Kentucky, has left three people dead and authorities scrambling to identify and locate the assailants. The incident occurred around midday Friday outside the Kentucky Driver Licensing Regional Office located on Dixie Highway, in a busy commercial area near Interstate 265.
Louisville Metro Police responded to multiple calls reporting gunfire in the parking lot of the facility. When officers arrived, they discovered the body of an 18-year-old male victim, identified as Leslye M. Harbin Jr., who was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other victims, women aged 33 and 29, were found critically wounded. They were transported to the University of Louisville Hospital, where they later died from their injuries. The women have been identified as Antwanette Chillers and Raysa Pacios Valdes.
According to police reports, Harbin was targeted directly in what appeared to be a planned and deliberate attack. Witnesses described seeing two masked individuals exit a vehicle and open fire on Harbin with semi-automatic weapons. Surveillance footage from surrounding businesses is being reviewed by detectives, who have not yet publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests.
“We are working to determine the motive, but this was not a random act,” said Louisville Metro Police Major Donald Boeckman in a press briefing. “The shooters appeared to be targeting Mr. Harbin. What is still unclear is the involvement or proximity of the two female victims.”
Officials say the women may have been known to Harbin, possibly relatives, though police have not confirmed that relationship. Local sources suggested the victims could have been a mother and her two adult children, but that information has not been verified by law enforcement.
“This is heartbreaking,” said Governor Andy Beshear in a public statement. “These are lives stolen in an act of senseless violence. We grieve with the families and urge the public to assist law enforcement in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
Following the shooting, security personnel inside the motor vehicle office quickly enacted emergency procedures, locking down the facility to protect staff and visitors. No employees or customers inside the building were harmed. The office was closed for the remainder of the day and is expected to resume operations after additional security evaluations.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, which oversees the licensing center, has offered counseling support for staff members shaken by the incident. “Our team responded swiftly and professionally,” the Cabinet said in a statement. “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and extend our deepest sympathies to the families affected.”
At present, investigators believe the suspects fled the scene in a vehicle, but have not released a description of the car or the individuals involved. Police are urging anyone with information, including those who may have captured video footage from nearby businesses or vehicles, to contact the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Homicide Unit.
The shooting comes amid rising concerns over gun violence in the city and across the country. Louisville has experienced a number of high-profile shootings in recent years, prompting renewed calls for gun control and community intervention programs.
Residents of the area expressed shock and concern, noting that the location of the shooting—a government facility surrounded by retail stores—was typically considered safe and quiet.
“This could’ve been anyone,” said local resident Terry Williams, who was in a nearby grocery store at the time of the incident. “To think that you can be going about your day and get caught in something like this—it’s terrifying.”
As police continue their investigation, officials emphasize that public cooperation is essential in solving the case. A tip line has been opened, and a reward may be offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more in
formation becomes available.
