LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro Councilmembers made a public plea for any witnesses to come forward on a shooting that happened Saturday, June 22.
The Louisville Metro Police Department said the shooting took place outside H2O Lounge and left one person dead, one in critical condition and several injured. The club is on Broadway between 25th and 26th streets.
"As the chair of public safety, but also as a civil servant, my goal is to bridge the gap between LMPD and the community and better the relationships between the community to try to build trust, but I cannot do this alone," said Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins, D-District 1. "It takes everyone collaboratively."
District 5 Councilmember Donna Purvis also joined the press conference, and through a statement, District 4 Councilmember Jecorey Arthur called for more information from witnesses on the ongoing shooting investigation.
"My office has received calls asking for assistance and support due to the fact that there is no police presence from the hours of 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. unless there is a shooting or altercation that raises a need for police to be present," Hawkins said.
Hawkins said she's not only calling on witnesses to speak up but also on LMPD to increase patrol.
"It's concerning to me, not just as public safety chair, but just as a resident, that we don't have the same equitable presence of LMPD in these areas around the hours of 10 to 3," Hawkins said. "That's the concern."
LMPD Lt. Mason Brown said he is working with the limited resources available, and they are navigating a manpower shortage
"Essentially, I'm trying to do constantly more with less, OK? And officers are up to it; they're doing it," Brown said. "But I've heard their concerns, and we will increase their patrol in this area."
MeShorn T. Daniels, community service motivator, said he also urges anyone who knows more about the shooting to talk to LMPD.
"The community cannot respect the police department," Daniels said. "They don't know that they care and then the police department cannot understand or respect the community if the community does not report and tell what they know. So it's a mutual respect, and that's what I've been telling people. You can't force some people to do so until they respect one another."
LMPD said they’re looking for a Chevy Tahoe, light and colored. The vehicle has damage in the front from bullet holes. LMPD added it urges anyone with information to call its anonymous tip line: 502-574-LMPD (5673).