Fear of retaliation keeps Russell neighborhood silent after man shot by Louisville police

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Questions remain about what led up to an officer‑involved shooting Thursday in Louisville’s Russell neighborhood.

Residents who live near the alley on West Chestnut Street were hesitant to talk Friday for fear of retaliation.

Louisville Metro Police said officers were responding to a ShotSpotter alert that detected gunfire “in the rear alley of West Chestnut Street near 23rd St” when the shooting occurred.

It's unclear where the gunfire that was detected over the ShotSpotter was coming from or if it was directed at anyone or at a home in the area.

LMPD said when they got to the area, they saw a man in the alley. When an officer asked the man to put his hands up, he reached for his waistband, police said.

Officer John Heisler, who was identified by LMPD Friday, shot the man, leaving him in critical condition. According to police, he was armed.

People in the area told WDRB Friday they hear gunfire daily and often feel unsafe walking in their own neighborhood. Many said they are afraid to share information about shootings because they're afraid of perpetrators circling back to seek revenge.

“Retaliation is a big thing down here because a lot of things happen in different parts of the neighborhood, and it's sad because people can't even take their kids outside,” Savannah Anderson said.

Anderson said she recently moved to the Russell neighborhood.

“Kids can't even go to school, learn grow go to school, come outside and play because of the neighborhood,” she said.

Tyquan Campfield also lives in the area. He said there's always something going on, and it's unfortunate that people don't feel safe reporting instances of gun violence.

"If you're on camera and somebody put out information, they going to come for you in the West End," Campfield said. "And if you live in this neighborhood and if you said something, you bet not. You just don't. That's why people don't say nothing."

Those who know the man shot by police told WDRB he is “doing well.”

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