LOUISVILLE, KY – The tense two-day search for a man accused of shooting an Orange County deputy culminated in a deadly encounter Saturday night. Austin Shephers, 33, was killed in a confrontation with Louisville Metro Police, ending a manhunt that had gripped the area.
The pursuit began after Shephers allegedly shot Deputy Zach Andre early Friday morning near French Lick, Indiana. Authorities had been on high alert since the incident, scouring the region for the suspect. The breakthrough came on Saturday evening when officers located Shephers in the Jacobs neighborhood of Louisville.
Shortly before 7:30 p.m., police confronted Shephers in the backyard of a residence on the 3700 block of Wheeler Avenue. According to law enforcement, the situation quickly escalated when Shephers opened fire on the officers. In response, police returned fire, fatally shooting Shephers at the scene.
This dramatic conclusion underscores the inherent risks faced by law enforcement officers, as noted by a Louisville Metro Police Department spokesperson. “The last couple of days highlight the dangers of this job,” they said. “I am proud to work alongside individuals who courageously confront these perils daily.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Andre remains hospitalized, recovering from the gunshot wounds sustained on Friday. While specific details about his condition have not been disclosed, Indiana State Police have expressed optimism about his recovery, describing it as “tremendous.”
The Louisville Metro Police Department’s Public Integrity Unit has launched an investigation into the shooting incident. This standard procedure aims to ensure transparency and accountability in officer-involved shootings.
The resolution of this manhunt brings relief to a community on edge, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the volatility law enforcement officers face. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on Deputy Andre’s recovery and understanding the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.