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
Milton Shooting Suspect Made Threats to Police and Posted Concerning Messages Online Prior to Ambush
Gunman took his life while barricaded inside home.
UPDATE: A gunman is dead and a veteran Milton Police officer is wounded this evening after public safety agencies responded to a structure fire on Main Street in Milton, officials said.
The gunman, identified as Aaron LaRoche, 38, of Milton is believed to have taken his own life about 11 p.m., about four hours after he ambushed Patrol Sgt. Paul Locke, officials said.
MILTON, VT — Authorities have identified the individual involved in Wednesday evening’s ambush shooting of a Milton police officer as Aaron LaRoche, a 38-year-old Milton resident with a documented history of mental health concerns and prior threats against law enforcement.
LaRoche is alleged to have opened fire on first responders during a public safety operation at a structure fire at 78 Main Street around 7:00 p.m.
The incident left Sergeant Paul Locke, a veteran of the Milton Police Department, wounded.
He was transported by Milton Rescue with a police escort to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he remains under medical care.
Initial reports indicate Sgt. Locke was shot from behind while wearing a bullet-resistant vest.
It is also believed that he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Authorities have described his injuries as serious but not life-threatening.
LaRoche, who remains barricaded inside the residence, is known to local law enforcement.
He has a documented history of erratic behavior and has been the subject of multiple online posts that raised red flags among community members and officers.
In the months leading up to the shooting, LaRoche had made several alarming posts on social media platforms, many of which directly tagged Milton Police Department and the Vermont State Police (VSP).
These posts included threats and references to hearing voices, claiming he was under mind control.
The content had been a growing concern for authorities and the public alike.
“This individual had been on our radar due to troubling and threatening behavior online,” a law enforcement official noted. “It’s tragic that those warnings have culminated in violence.”
Following the ambush, the Vermont State Police took command of the active scene.
Multiple agencies are assisting in the ongoing operation, including:
- VSP Major Crime Unit
- Bureau of Criminal Investigations
- Field Force Division
- Tactical Services Unit (SWAT)
- Bomb Squad
- Crisis Negotiation Unit
- Local, county, and federal partners
The situation remains contained to the immediate area around 78 Main Street.
Main Street remains closed between U.S. Route 7 and East/North Road, and officials have urged the public to avoid the area due to heavy police presence and ongoing tactical operations.
VSP’s Victim Services Unit is providing support to Sgt. Locke and his family during this difficult time.
No additional injuries have been reported, and authorities are working to bring the standoff to a peaceful conclusion.
The investigation into LaRoche’s past online behavior and threats is ongoing.
Law enforcement officials are also reviewing whether prior actions could have warranted intervention before the shooting took place.
The Vermont State Police will release more details as they become available.
Media inquiries should be directed to the VSP Public Information Office via email to avoid overwhelming emergency communication channels.