A Louisville woman now faces a series of felony charges after a gun-fueled crime spree on Friday.
Police say 30 year-old Lachaundra M. Payne was driving while intoxicated. During that time, she allegedly chased down a vehicle while shooting and engaged in a physical assault at Taco Bell.
Payne was arrested around 4:36 a.m. on Friday, Augiust 14, following an investigative traffic stop at Newburg Road and Bishop Lane near the Jefferson County Public Schools Vanhoose Education Center.
According to the police citation, an officer on routine patrol stopped Payne’s maroon Ford Fusion because she fit the description of the lead suspect in two separate armed incidents reported earlier in the evening.
Police allege that Payne’s first violent encounter involved a high-speed pursuit where she admitted to chasing a black sedan to Indian Oaks Circle and firing shots at the vehicle.
Traffic cameras confirm the event and captured Payne’s car disregarding a red light while chasing the sedan to a residence in the 5400 block of Indian Oaks Circle. The video and audio surveillance allegedly captured Payne pursuing the car recklessly before a gunshot could be heard.
Louisville Metro Police officers say Payne was also linked to a physical assault at a local Taco Bell earlier that night.
The victim at the restaurant told police that Payne pulled his hair, tried to steal his phone, and pointed a gun at him.
During questioning, Payne reportedly admitted to the assault.
When officers pulled Payne over, they said that a handgun was spotted in plain view under the driver’s seat.
Payne admitted she had stolen the firearm, and records confirmed the weapon was reported stolen in Jefferson County back in November 2025.
Officers also recovered a Taco Bell bag on the passenger seat and multiple bags of marijuana from Payne’s purse after she admitted to having the drug.
The arresting officer noted that Payne appeared highly intoxicated. The officer claimed that they observed erratic behavior, slurred speech, a staggered gait, and the strong odor of alcohol.
Police say Payne admitted to drinking shots she purchased at “Stop and Go.”
A breathalyzer revealed that Payne was significantly inebriated with a blood alcohol level of 0.171%, which is more than twice the legal 0.08% limit in Kentucky.
Payne faces 12 total charges, including:
First-Degree Robbery
First-Degree Wanton Endangerment (Two counts of discharging a firearm, two counts of wanton endangerment)
Theft by Unlawful Taking of a Firearm
Receiving Stolen Property (Firearm)
Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence (Aggravated Circumstance)
Possession of Marijuana
Reckless Driving
Harassment (Two counts of no physical contact)
At her arraignment on Saturday, August 15, Payne pled not guilty. Her bond was increased to $50,000 cash with a Home Incarceration Program restriction if posted, and a strict “no guns” order.
Payne’s next hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 24.
Source: WAVE
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