'My father's life was ended' | Family of grandfather killed in Portland neighborhood asking for justice | Crime Reports

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The family of a 54-year-old Louisville grandfather is asking for justice after a fatal crash in the Portland neighborhood.

Russell Barnett Jr. died after being hit in a crash as a suspect fled from police on Jan. 10. Coley Stotts was charged with murder after running through a red light and hitting Barnett in his vehicle at the intersection of 34th and Bank streets.

Louisville Metro Police attempted to pull over Stotts in the 3300 block of of Pflanz Avenue around 6:20 p.m., but he took off, and the crash occurred soon there after.

"Life's not GTA, life is not a video game," Zachary Barnett, son of Russell Barnett. "It's always the same outcome. It's either jail or the grave."

Family members said Barnett had to be pulled through the windshield.

Zachary Barnett said his cousin called him to tell him his father was killed in the crash last Wednesday.

"It was a shock, I didn't believe it," Zachary said.

Police later learned the black Dodge Charger Stott's was driving was stolen out of Indianapolis.

Police said the officer that attempted the traffic stop turned off his lights and sirens after 11 seconds and didn't follow Stotts, which is department policy. The LMPD policy bands officers from chasing suspects who speed off, after violating traffic laws.

"There's no shame that they did what they were instructed to do," Zachary Barnett said. "They followed every step of protocol they had."

Russell Barnett grew up in the Portland neighborhood and was a grandfather of five.

"My father's life was ended because of certain steps not being taken place or punishments not being cracked down on tight enough," Zachary Barnett said.

Stotts has had multiple drug, weapons and domestic assault charges in the past. This is also at least the fourth time he's been charged with fleeing or evading police.

"I just don't understand if he's had prior convictions and even watching the chief speak out about it," Zachary Barnett said. "I don't understand why he wasn't taken off the streets sooner."

A judge set the bond for Coley Stotts for $1 million last week.

"I really would like to see him have life without parole," Zachary Barnett said. "If you see red and blue just pull over. Don't escalate it. Don't make it worse than it needs to be.

Stotts' next court date is scheduled for Jan. 22.

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