LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Dozens of carjackings have happened on Louisville's streets this year.
For most people, getting into a car is automatic. But when a carjacking hits close to home, some drivers think twice before pulling away.
WDRB reviewed city records to better understand who is committing these crimes.
Dean Bowen bought his dream car, a 2009 Saturn Sky, in early July. He calls the blue convertible his "baby."
But that dream became a nightmare in the early hours of July 8, 2026. Bowen said he offered to give a friend a ride to a home on Greenwood Road around 1 a.m.
He said it should have been a quick trip and did not think it would be dangerous until it was too late.
"This guy walks up behind me with a gun right to my head," Bowen said. "He told me to get the f*** out of the car."
His friend was already inside the house, leaving Bowen and the stranger alone.
"He started beating me with the butt of the gun," Bowen said. "Right on top of my head. I started my car and took off."
The crime only lasted a few seconds. But the fear followed Bowen long after he sped away.
LMPD said his story is one of roughly 40 carjacking cases the department has seen in 2026. Carjackings are down across Louisville compared with last year.
However, that does not make the crime any less painful. Bowen walked away needing several staples in his head.
"I could have died," Bowen said. "You can die from that. It's extremely scary."
WDRB requested an interview with LMPD about carjackings several times but was denied. However, WDRB asked questions at a July press conference about car break-ins.
LMPD Assistant Chief Bryan Edelen said the department is not "noticing a trend as it relates to carjackings. It is a wide variety."
WDRB submitted several records requests with the city regarding carjackings.
Thirty-two reports were shared with WDRB on July 31. Most of those cases remain unsolved and do not include a suspect description.
In closed cases, the city redacted suspect names and dates of birth. After several emails and phone calls, LMPD would not provide the suspects' ages to WDRB.
However, the city said suspects were minors in seven of those carjackings.
"That to me is bad parenting," Bowen said.
The victims were a nearly even split between men and women. When asked how people can prevent it from happening to them, Edelen said, "A lot of times, it's just being aware of your surroundings."
The crime hits many corners of Louisville. The thieves sometimes target busy areas such as Iroquois Park, Iroquois High School and the Kroger on West Broadway.
"I can't say there's one area in which we're seeing more carjackings than not at this moment," Edelen said.
Most suspects acted alone and stole only vehicles. However, some also stole phones, pistols and purses. Keys, money, credit cards and debit cards were also taken.
But that is only part of the loss. The victim's sense of security can disappear, too.
"Protect yourself at all times," Bowen said. "It's not safe out here."
After the terrifying encounter, Bowen said only one word comes to mind: thankful.
"Thankful that I still can breathe and still drive," Bowen said. "I'm extremely happy to still be alive."
When Bowen takes a drive, he keeps the top up, the doors locked and looks over his shoulder.
Based on the reports shared with WDRB, LMPD saw the most carjacking cases in January and February.
The data does not show a significant drop-off as the months go by. However, LMPD has found most of the stolen cars so far this year.
In a news release Tuesday, LMPD said it would take media behind the scenes of a recent operation that "led to the arrests of several individuals accused of breaking into and stealing vehicles."
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