Woman in critical condition following shooting on Watterson Expressway

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Shively Police is investigating after a pregnant woman was shot on Interstate 264 early Tuesday morning.

It happened around 2 a.m. Tuesday on the eastbound lanes of the Watterson Expressway near Cane Run Road. According to a news release from the Shively Police Department, the woman, who was a passenger in the vehicle driven by a male, was hit by gunshots fired from a vehicle that pulled up next to her vehicle.

Louisville Metro Police originally identified the woman as a "juvenile teen." Shively Police is now leading the investigation. At this time, it's not known if or why they were targeted.

Police are searching for suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call the Shively Police Department at 502-448-6181 or the Shively Police tip line at 502-930-2SPD.

This is the second shooting on the Watterson Expressway in November. A construction worker was shot and killed, and an LMPD officer was wounded in a shooting on Nov. 19. The officer returned fire, wounding the suspect, Keyshaun Joseph Canard Stewart, who is being held on a $1 million bond.

There have been at least five other shootings on Jefferson County interstates in 2021.

On Sept. 24, on the Watterson Expressway at Taylor Boulevard, 26-year-old Terry Smith Jr. was shot and killed.
On July 9, a man was shot on I-64 near Blankenbaker Parkway.
On June 4, a man was found shot on the ramp from I-264 West to I-64 West.
On May 26, a 14-year-old boy was shot while he was driving on the Interstate 265 near New Cut Road.
In January, a male driver was shot on the Watterson Expressway near Breckenridge Lane.

Shively Police said many of these types of cases are connected with gangs and drugs.

"Anything could happen," Sgt. Patrick Allen said. "I mean, that gunfire could go stray and hit someone else. But typically, we see these late at night. There's no other vehicles around. That's pretty much the M.O. with these."

Police assure drivers you should feel safe when you're out on the road.

"Honestly, I believe it is safe for travel," Allen said. "Like I said, we believe the majority of these have been targeted. This morning, I believe probably the reason it happened on the expressway is because there wasn't a lot of traffic around. So for the everyday traveler, I would say it is safe. Just always be aware of your surroundings."