LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A standoff in the Chickasaw neighborhood of west Louisville lasted for hours Thursday after a Louisville Metro Police officer conducting a traffic stop was shot in the 4000 block of West Kentucky Street.

Two men were led away in handcuffs around 8:30 a.m., six hours after the gunfire that sent the officer to the hospital in critical condition. 

In an update Thursday just after 4:30 p.m., LMPD said it had "concluded major operations" in the area and residents could "resume regular activities." LMPD officials had warned neighbors in the area to remain indoors, and other people were advised to stay away from the area until the all-clear signal was given. 

The department said several "individuals of interest" are being questioned and there is "no additional threat to the public" as the investigation continues. More arrests have been made, but LMPD hasn't said how many or released the names of the suspects. 

"We greatly appreciate the public's support and prayers," the department said, adding "please continue sending your well-wishes to our officer and his family."

During a news briefing Thursday morning, LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel said the incident started when an officer was conducting a traffic stop around 2:30 a.m. Another supporting officer also responded to the scene. 

While conducting the stop, "shots were fired from a nearby home." Gwinn-Villaroel said the officer conducting the stop was shot in the torso area and taken to UofL Hospital where he is in critical but stable condition. As of 4:44 p.m., LMPD said his condition remains the same.

"The supporting officer on scene discharged his weapon, and the supporting officer was not injured," Gwinn-Villaroel said.  

Neighbors in the area said they heard 40-50 gunshots. 

Ataijah Burrus, who has family members living in the area and works for AMPED, a free program working to stop violence in west Louisville, called the escalation of violence "de-motivating," adding that though people learn to live with it, it never stops devastating communities.

"A lot of people who live in the west end are living on survival. That's all they know," Burrus said. "... We are trying. Everyone down here is also just human. We are human just as anybody else here in Louisville." 

Gwinn-Villaroel did not immediately identify the injured officer but said he has been with LMPD for less than two years.

"We are thankful that he has survived his injuries, and for the medical staff of University of Louisville Hospital," she said. "The officer has been with LMPD for a year-and-a-half, and we are praying for his speedy recovery."

The chief said body camera video will be made available within 10 business days. 

The department is asking anyone who might have information about the shooting to call their anonymous Crime Tip Line at 502-574-LMPD (5673). Tips can also be submitted anonymously online through the Crime Tip Portal by clicking here.

"No piece of information is insignificant," LMPD said, adding that it expects to release more information Friday.

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