LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A 26-year-old man was arrested after the fatal crash in Louisville's Portland neighborhood Wednesday evening.

Coley Stotts was arrested early Thursday morning and charged with murder, fleeing police and receiving stolen property.

Louisville Metro Police said an officer attempted to pull over Stotts' in the 3300 block of Pflanz Avenue around 6:20 p.m. Wednesday, according to LMPD spokesman Dwight Mitchell. That's near 33rd Street and Northwestern Parkway.

Mitchell said Stotts took off, and the officer turned on his lights and sirens. 

While fleeing, Stotts ran through a red light and hit another vehicle, in the intersection of 34th and Bank streets.

The driver of the vehicle hit by Stotts was transported to UofL Hospital in downtown Louisville and was later pronounced dead. Family members identified the victim as Russell Barnett Jr., 54, who grew up in the Portland neighborhood.

Russell Barnett Jr.

Family members identified the victim killed in crash caused by man running from police on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, as Russell Barnett Jr., 54, who grew up in the Portland neighborhood.

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. 

As soon as Stotts took off, the officer came upon the crash at 34th and Bank Streets. 

Stotts was also taken to UofL Hospital with injuries but has been discharged to Metro Corrections.

A gun was also found inside Stotts' car and he is facing charges for that as well. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday. 

While digging into Stotts' past, WDRB discovered multiple drug, weapons and domestic assault charges. This also isn't the first time he has been charged with fleeing or evading police. He's been charged with that crime at least three times in the past. 

Anyone with any additional information is asked to call the anonymous tip line at 502-574-LMPD (5673). Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the department's Crime Tip Portal by clicking here.

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