Masked Suspect Shot During Attempted Carjacking of Undercover Cops

Louisville, Kentucky — On June 19, 2023, at approximately 1:32 p.m., two undercover officers from the Louisville Metro Police Department’s (LMPD) Fugitive Unit were stationed in a vehicle, working to apprehend a suspect tied to a separate investigation.

While inside the vehicle, Officer Hayden encountered a masked individual, later identified as 21-year-old Mark Jaggers Jr., who approached on foot. Jaggers opened the driver’s side door and aimed a firearm at the officer. In response, Officer Hayden discharged multiple rounds from his service weapon, striking Jaggers, who then dropped his gun and collapsed.

After neutralizing the immediate threat and securing the area, Officer Hayden called for backup. Responding officers arrived and attempted life-saving measures on Jaggers. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transported him to the University of Louisville Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Mark Jaggers Sr., the suspect’s father, expressed disbelief that his son intended to carjack the officers, claiming Jaggers Jr. was unaware the vehicle was occupied. “That car had been sitting there for three hours. … My son thought it was abandoned,” Jaggers Sr. stated. “I know it’s still wrong, but it didn’t deserve a death sentence.”

Officer Hayden, a 10-year LMPD veteran, and his partner sustained no injuries during the incident. Authorities later clarified that the original target of their investigation was 23-year-old Rex Wright Jr., who was wanted in connection to a non-fatal shooting. Wright surrendered to police following the incident.