Crime
Victims Killed in Shooting Outside Louisville Driver’s Licensing Office Identified
Louisville, KY – A tragic shooting outside a Driver Licensing Regional Office in Valley Station left three people dead Friday afternoon.
According to the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), officers responded to reports of gunfire around noon at the facility, located on Dixie Highway just north of Interstate 265.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim deceased at the scene.
Two female victims, suffering from critical gunshot wounds, were transported to UofL Hospital in downtown Louisville, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the victims as:
- 29-year-old Raysa Pacios Valdes
- 33-year-old Antwanette Chillers
- 18-year-old Leslye Harbin Jr.
During a press briefing, LMPD Major Donald Boeckman expressed his concern over the shooting, stating, “I’m surprised there were not more people injured, because many people were standing outside. But as far as any details into what occurred, I just can’t speak to them right now.”
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the tragedy on social media, condemning what he called a “senseless act of violence.”
He also extended his gratitude to law enforcement officers for their swift response and urged prayers for the victims’ families.
LMPD’s Homicide Unit is actively investigating the incident. No arrests have been made, and authorities have not yet released details regarding potential suspects.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issued the following statement in response to the shooting:
“We are thankful that all our employees are safe, and our hearts go out to the victims of this tragic incident. We remain focused on the safety of both our customers and employees. Security was present at the time of the incident, and the building was immediately locked down. Employees have been dismissed, and the office will remain closed for the rest of the day. We are fully cooperating with the Louisville Metro Police Department in their investigation and have no further details at this time.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact LMPD’s anonymous Crime Tip Line at 502-574-LMPD (5673) or submit a tip through the anonymous Crime Tip Portal.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.