Louisville Metro Police Chief Steve Conrad says Officer Kyle Carrol is believed to have been shot by 22-year-old Jacquan Crowley just after 11 p.m. Saturday on the 2300 block of Magazine Street.
Conrad says Officer Carrol was patrolling LMPD's first division when he saw Crowley, whom he recognized from an arrest he had made in the past.
"As he [Carrol] drove past the man, the man turned away, which the officer believed was an effort to hide his identity from the officer. That caused the officer to be concerned," Conrad said in a media briefing early Sunday morning.
Conrad went on to say that after Carrol became concerned, he made a U-turn and drove back toward Crowley. At that point, the suspect started running. Carrol then stopped his car, got out and started chasing Crowley.
The chase lasted a short distance. At one point, Conrad says the chase involved jumping over a fence. He says after Crowley jumped the fence, he fired a shot at Carrol.
Officer Carrol was struck in the chest. Chief Conrad says the officer was wearing a bullet-proof vest at the time.
Carrol was taken to University Hospital by another LMPD officer. He is alert and in stable condition.Chief Conrad says LMPD is hopeful for his recovery.
The officer has been with the department for about a year and a half.
Crowley is still at large. Conrad says multiple units, including the K-9 and air units, are actively searching for the suspect.
He's described as a black male, about 5'11" and weighing about 135 pounds. He's also believed to have long dreadlocks.
Conrad says Crowley is considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, or know of his whereabouts, you're asked to call MetroSafe at (502) 574-7111.
The shooting is still under investigation.