Self-Defense in Action: Elizabethtown Carjacking Ends in Shooting

An Elizabethtown man faces charges of attempted murder and strangulation after a carjacking attempt led to him being shot by the intended victim in a self-defense incident. The confrontation occurred on I-65 and involved a struggle over a firearm.

ELIZABETHTOWN, KY (4-minute read) — An Elizabethtown man faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and strangulation, after being shot by the person he allegedly carjacked Thursday morning.

Court documents reveal that Louisville Metro Police officers responded to a vehicle collision on the Outer Loop, near Preston Highway, around 7:30 a.m., where they found 45-year-old Jason Calhoun with multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators believe that a fight between Calhoun and another individual took place on Interstate 65 near Fern Valley Road.

The incident unfolded when police received a call about a potential carjacking on I-65 at the Outer Loop, later linking it to the crash scene. According to the intended victim, his vehicle had broken down at the I-65 North, Outer Loop exit. He left to get his wife’s vehicle, which he parked behind his broken-down car upon returning. It was then that Calhoun approached the intended victim’s vehicle.

Calhoun demanded the intended victim’s car, and when informed of a firearm inside, he insisted on having that as well. A struggle ensued as the intended victim reached for his gun. Calhoun began kicking and striking the victim, leaving visible footprints on his clothes, according to the police report.

During the struggle, Calhoun made a terrifying threat, saying “give me your eyeball,” and attempted to gouge out the intended victim’s left eye. Despite fighting off Calhoun’s attack, the suspect continued to try to seize the firearm, repeatedly threatening to kill him.

In a desperate act of self-defense, the man managed to retrieve his firearm and, fearing for his life as Calhoun choked him, used it to shoot Calhoun. This decisive action likely saved his life, illustrating the critical role that self-defense can play in life-threatening situations.

Calhoun now faces serious charges as he recovers from his injuries. This incident underscores the importance of responsible gun ownership and being prepared to defend oneself in unpredictable and dangerous scenarios.

Safety Tip: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in isolated areas. Keep a charged phone handy, and if you carry a firearm, ensure you are trained and prepared to use it safely and responsibly.