LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Police are searching for two suspects who stole a man's trailer and then shot and killed him early Saturday morning in Bullitt County.
Family of that man, Kevin Watts, want to see the suspects brought to justice.
“I just wish he was still with us, I miss him every day,” said Earl Watts, Kevin's brother..
Kevin's family is still reeling from his death.
“Kevin was great. Loved his family, two [sons] 13 and 14 years old," Earl said. "Everybody loved my brother and he's loved by a lot of people.”
Bullitt County Sheriff Walt Sholar says two males in a white pickup truck stole a trailer in the area of Woodsdale Road near Cedar Grove Road around 3:10 a.m.
Kevin's family says the trailer held a race car Kevin had built with his two sons.
Police say Kevin then chased the suspects, and during the chase, his car "slid into the trailer" the suspects had wrecked in the woods.
“I believe the windshield was probably frosted, he’s in a rush, he’s trying to get down to the stop sign to see which way these guys might’ve turned," Earl said. "By the time he came over this hill, I don’t think he saw that the truck was already stopped and wrecked.”
When Kevin approached the suspects, police say he was shot and killed.
“My brother's a warrior. He died like a man, he was defending his family and his property. And to me, you know, some coward shot my brother and left him to die here. And all over a trailer and a car," said Earl. "I mean fight them, beat them up, run, you know, you didn't have to shoot my brother.”
Sholar says the truck was stolen out of Casey County on Jan. 17, and the tag on the truck was registered to another vehicle stolen from southern Jefferson County. Police believe the two suspects, who fled the area on foot, have committed crimes in at least five counties.
The two males, ages unknown, are believed to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Police say they may have "injuries consistent with a significant head on automobile collision."
The Nelson County Sheriff's Office is advising residents in the area to lock their cars. They are also asking anyone with cameras in the area of Highway 480 and US-31E to check their surveillance footage.
Sholar says they also hope to find evidence, possibly DNA, as they process the stolen truck used by the suspects.
The family is offering a $10,000 reward for anyone who has information that can lead to the suspects' arrests.
"Somebody knows something. Somebody is talking and we're just hoping this reward will shake some branches, said Tamika Watts, Kevin's sister-in-law.
“Find it in your hearts. This could have been your family, you know, find it in your hearts and please give [the sheriff's office] a call and get these people off the streets before they hurt somebody else,” said Earl.
Police believe the suspects could be in Jefferson, Bullitt, Spencer, Nelson, Marion or Casey counties. They also believe a maroon Dodge that was stolen out of Jefferson County on Jan. 12 could be connected to the suspects.
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