LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The investigation continues after a lone gunman shot and killed a construction worker on I-264 in Shively on Nov. 19.

Freddy O'Bannon, a 37-year-old construction worker was killed and a Louisville Metro Police officer injured.

In a Facebook update Monday, Nov. 22 Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Erika Shields said they are still trying to determine why the shooting took place. 

The suspect was identified in court documents as Keyshaun Joseph Canard Stewart, 25. He is charged with murder, attempted murder of a police officer, attempted first-degree assault of a police officer, first-degree wanton endangerment, fleeing or evading police (on foot) and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

Court records show Stewart has a prior felony conviction and was forbidden to possess a firearm at the time of the shooting. Police confirmed that the officer was also taken to the hospital with nonlife threatening conditions.

The shooting occurred shortly 2:45 a.m. Friday on the Watterson Expressway near Dixie Highway, according to police.

Theresa Hunt is the construction worker’s aunt. She says O’Bannon loved everyone, had a heart of gold and shined a light wherever he went.

"Family, friends, everywhere. Freddy was well loved and just got baptized two weeks ago so I know he’s going to heaven," Hunt said. "You can’t bring nobody back. You can’t come back from this. The devastation that you leave with the family is horrible."

Investigators said the officer was working traffic control at the construction site when a man walked up and killed O'Bannon then walked over to the police car and shot the officer.

Despite being shot, the officer was able to chase down the suspect and shoot him. In Shields' note she wrote the officer is doing well and recovering with the help of his family.

"Our prayers go out to the police officer. I don’t know his name and his family but wishing him full recovery, speedy recovery, and God’s with him," said Hunt.

O’Bannon was from Louisville and worked for Louisville Paving and Construction. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

"We’ve got to put these guns down, it’s senseless," Hunt added. "I mean if you can’t fight it out walk away you know what’s the point? You’re going to get caught eventually."

Hunt said O’Bannon’s killer did more than take his life — they robbed five kids of their father.

"As you can see, it brings nothing but trouble. I’d never thought we’d be in this situation, but we are and we’ve got to deal with it," said Hunt.

His family said his infectious sense of humor will be missed the most.

"You couldn’t come around here with no frown on your face because he’s going to do something to make you laugh he’s goofy, goofy, lovable," adds Hunt.

Under the department's policy, Kentucky State Police will be leading the investigation. The name of the suspect and officer involved have not yet been released.

O'Bannon worked for Louisville Paving and Construction, a contractor hired by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Hunter Strickler, Executive Vice President with Louisville Paving and Construction, released the following statement:

"Early this morning, our entire family at Louisville Paving and Construction mourns the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, Fred O’Bannon.

Fred joined Louisville Paving and Construction in April 2020 and was a highly respected and committed member of our team. Fred worked in our traffic control division where he worked tirelessly to keep his fellow team members and motoring public safe. 

Fred was 37 years of age, a resident of Louisville and leaves behind a fiancé and children.

Needless to say, our entire team is devastated by the loss of Fred and we stand committed to support his family and team members through this tragedy. We ask that everyone join us in keeping Fred, his family and his friends in your thoughts and prayers.”

Chief Shields says the Louisville Metro Police Foundation (LMPF) is adopting O'Bannon's five children for its "Shop with a Cop" program for the holidays. That event will take place in December. If you would like to help the O'Bannon family you can do so through LMPF's website. You can go to the donation section and check the box labeled "other" and type in O'Bannon.