What began as a domestic-disturbance call on South 41st Street ended with a white Mercedes slammed into a house and a Louisville man facing multiple felonies, according to police and court records.
Louisville resident Radee J. Browning, 45, was arrested after officers say he drove toward police, took off from the scene, then later crashed into a home on South 41st Street. Court documents state that Browning ran from the crash, then called 911 himself. WAVE's report does not state whether any injuries occurred. He is scheduled for arraignment at 9 a.m. on July 27.
According to WAVE, Browning is charged with first-degree fleeing or evading police, first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer and first-degree criminal mischief. His bond was set at $25,000 cash, with conditions that he have no contact with the complaining witness and that he not operate a motor vehicle. The complaint alleges officers first found him seated in a white Mercedes in the 900 block of South 41st Street, that he drove off when ordered to stop, nearly hit two police cruisers and then crashed into a residence in the 600 block of South 41st Street.
What the charges mean
Under Kentucky law, first-degree fleeing or evading police is defined in state statute; the Kentucky Legislature site provides the statutory language.
First-degree wanton endangerment, which in this case is tied to allegedly driving toward an officer, is a Class D felony unless a firearm is involved. First-degree criminal mischief applies to cases where prosecutors say property damage clears specific monetary thresholds. Justia and FindLaw publish the underlying statutory language and penalty ranges.
Police response and aftermath
According to police records, officers chose not to pursue the Mercedes after it sped away from the initial encounter. The complaint says Browning later called 911 and appeared “profoundly under the influence of alcohol” when officers found him. Investigators reported empty alcohol containers inside the vehicle and estimated damage to the home at about $2,000. Those details come from the court complaint and reporting by WAVE. According to LouisvilleKY.gov, the LMPD 'annual report on Use of Force' includes material on 'Proper foot pursuit tactics, including when foot pursuits are appropriate.' According to LouisvilleKY.gov, the '2026 LMPD Implementation Plan' is published on the city website.
Browning is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court. His case is set for arraignment at 9 a.m. on July 27. Court filings in the coming days should clarify how the state plans to proceed.
