LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro Police have made an arrest after investigating a Tuesday morning hit-and-run accident that killed an off-duty Shelbyville police officer. 

According to LMPD, Ashley Catlett, 28, made an “opposing left turn” at the intersection of Outer Loop and Minor Lane and hit 50-year-old Thomas Elmore, who was riding a motorcycle. He died at the scene after being thrown 93 feet from his motorcycle.

Catlett was booked into Metro Corrections overnight and faces three charges:

• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Failure to render aid
• Driving without a license or insurance

According to her arrest citation, after the crash, Catlett ran to a nearby friend's house asking for help. A witness called 911 and Catlett ran again, police said.

LMPD eventually caught up with her after finding her purse in her car with her identification inside. Catlett is scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday.

Here's approximately where the hit-and-run took place early Tuesday morning.

A Facebook post from the Shelbyville Police Department says Elmore was sworn in as an officer in Dec. 2021, just eight months ago. Elmore also served with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and retired from the Louisville Metro Police Department. 

Shelbyville Sergeant Kelly Cable says Elmore was dedicated to public safety. 

“Officer Elmore was a really nice person. He was a very good officer and will be greatly missed from our department,” says Cable. “A loss for us, a loss for the community, and definitely a loss for his family” 

“Don’t take your days for granted. Anybody can be involved in something like this at any time, so it definitely makes you think to count your blessings and enjoy each day for what it is,” says Cable. 

Cable says the tragedy is a reminder to be safe and defensive when driving.

“Our condolences go to the family and it’s a hard time for them. Nothing that we can say or do will make this any easier for them. We just ask everyone to keep them in your prayers,” says Cable.  

He says there is one stressor the family could be relieved of—If the female suspect who witnesses say exited the vehicle and ran from the scene—came forward. 

“Right now they’re under a lot of stress right now themselves wondering what to do. The right thing to do is call Metro and turn yourself in and let that family have the closure that they need,” says Cable.