LOUISVILLE — A passenger in a car was shot and killed by police after the car struck an officer as it sped away from a traffic stop, authorities said.

        Antwan Bryant, 20, of Muldraugh, was found dead in the back seat of an abandoned 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass about 1 a.m. Wednesday. Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Danny Chapman said Mr. Bryant had been shot once in the chest by police.

        Two others have been arrested in connection with an incident two hours earlier in which the car struck a plainclothes Louisville police officer after being stopped for disregarding a stop sign in the city's South End, police said.

        Officer Brent Routzahn and Sgt. Dale Thompson approached from either side of the Cutlass, with badges visible, after stopping it in an unmarked pickup truck equipped with lights and sirens, said Louisville Police Chief Greg Smith said.

        Chief Smith said Lepere Thompson, who the police allege was driving, then threw the car into reverse, knocking down and running over Officer Routzahn. That prompted Sgt. Thompson to shoot as the vehicle sped away, Chief Smith said.

        Shively Police found the car abandoned, with Mr. Bryant dead in the back seat. Louisville police said it appeared no medical help had been sought for Mr. Bryant.

        Mr. Thompson, 21, was arrested after the body was found. He is charged with attempted murder, third-degree assault and wanton endangerment, a police spokeswoman said. Mr. Thompson also had been wanted on an unrelated warrant for fourth-degree assault, Chief Smith said.

        David Ray Ogden, who police said was a front-seat passenger in the car, was cited for marijuana possession. Chief Smith said a third passenger was interviewed and released.

        Officer Routzahn was treated at a hospital for his injuries and released, Chief Smith said.

        It was the second time in less than a month that Louisville police have fatally shot a man in a fleeing vehicle.

        In January, 18-year-old Clifford Lewis was shot five times and killed by Detective Johann Steimle after he put his van in reverse, pinning another detective against a car.

        Like Detective Steimle, Sgt. Thompson has been put on administrative leave while the shooting is investigated.

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