LOUISVILLE, KY – A dramatic manhunt that spanned two days and captivated the region came to a deadly end Saturday night when a suspect accused of shooting an Orange County deputy was fatally shot by police.
Austin Shephers, 33, was the target of an intensive search following the shooting of Deputy Zach Andre early Friday morning near French Lick, Indiana. The hunt concluded in Louisville’s Jacobs neighborhood, where Shephers was found and engaged in a final confrontation with law enforcement.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Louisville Metro Police located Shephers in the backyard of a home on Wheeler Avenue. The encounter quickly turned violent when Shephers reportedly fired at officers, prompting them to return fire, resulting in his death at the scene.
This incident highlights the ever-present risks faced by police officers, a point emphasized by a spokesperson for the department. “The past few days have shown the dangers inherent in this line of work. I am grateful to be part of a team that faces these challenges with unwavering bravery,” they stated.
Deputy Andre, the officer wounded in Friday’s shooting, remains hospitalized. Although his precise condition is not publicly known, reports from Indiana State Police suggest he is recovering well, giving hope to colleagues and the community alike.
An investigation by the Public Integrity Unit of the Louisville Metro Police Department is underway to examine the details surrounding the shooting. This probe is part of the department’s commitment to accountability and transparency in such critical incidents.
The resolution of this manhunt provides some closure to a community on edge, though it also underscores the unpredictable nature of police work. As the investigation proceeds, attention is focused on Deputy Andre’s recovery and the circumstances that led to this fatal encounter.