LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A man was fatally shot late Friday night in the Portland neighborhood, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD). Officers were dispatched around 10:30 p.m. to the 3400 block of Pflanz Avenue after receiving reports of gunfire in the area.
When officers from LMPD’s 1st Division arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. On Saturday, the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the man as 40-year-old Chester Crawford, and confirmed his family had been notified.
Police have not released information about possible suspects or a motive in the shooting. Investigators are still working to piece together what led up to the deadly incident and have not said whether Crawford was the intended target. No arrests have been made, and no surveillance footage has yet been shared with the public.
Residents in the area reported hearing gunshots but were hesitant to speak publicly due to safety concerns. The neighborhood, known for its rich history along the Ohio River, has faced periodic challenges with violent crime. Community members expressed frustration over recurring violence and the lack of immediate accountability in many cases.
LMPD is urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 502-574-LMPD (5673) or online through the LMPD Crime Tip Portal. Authorities stress that even small details—such as noticing unfamiliar vehicles or people in the area—could be vital to solving the case.
As summer approaches, a time often associated with increased gun violence, both police and community leaders are renewing calls for public cooperation and preventive efforts. The tragic death of Chester Crawford adds to the city’s growing list of homicides in 2025 and serves as a painful reminder of the continued need for action to curb violence in Louisville’s neighborhoods.