LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — The owner of a business on Frankfort Avenue defended the actions of a security guard who fatally shot a man during an altercation early Sunday. According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, Christopher Mayes, 30, lost his life outside The Fox Den Billiards, Bites and Brews at 3814 Frankfort Ave at around 3 a.m.
The business owner, Jared Fox Matthews, released a statement indicating that Mayes had been physically and verbally abusive towards his partner. Mayes had threatened her, other patrons, and staff while also expressing intentions to retrieve a firearm from his car to cause harm.
After being asked to leave, Mayes continued to assault his partner in the parking lot. She sought refuge behind the security guard, at which point Mayes approached the building’s entrance with a drawn firearm. In response, Matthews asserted that the security guard acted in self-defense to address the immediate threat.
Matthews emphasized that this incident does not reflect their establishment’s character, highlighting the absence of prior shooting incidents on or near the premises. He expressed condolences to all those affected by this “unfortunate, isolated incident.”
For those in crisis or needing assistance, The Center for Women & Families offers a 24-hour hotline at 844-BE-SAFE-1, providing support for various situations, including emergency shelter, sexual assault services, and crisis response.
