KSP: Trooper shot, killed in line of duty; suspect taken into custody
WARREN COUNTY, Ky. —
A Kentucky State Police trooper has died after a shooting in western Kentucky and police have taken a suspect into custody.
KSP said the shooting happened on I-65 in Warren County, Kentucky, near Bowling Green. Warren County is located about 210 miles southwest of Cincinnati.
According to KSP, Trooper Hayden Phillips was killed while patrolling the interstate.
“He was assigned to Post 3 Bowling Green and was a graduate of Cadet Class 103. His dedication to duty and commitment to the commonwealth will not be forgotten,” KSP Colonel Phillip Burnett Jr shared in a statement.
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A statewide Blue Alert was issued after the shooting and has been canceled after the suspect was taken into custody by the Louisville Metro Police Department.
A public alert said police were looking for Emonnie Branch, describing him as a Black man with dreadlocks in a bun.
KSP said they were looking for a blueish/gray Honda Civic that was at the scene of the shooting.
See a photo of the car below:
KSP Post 3 Bowling Green is leading the investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to call 911 immediately.
Reaction Pouring In
State leaders, lawmakers and law enforcement officials have reacted to the shooting on Monday, expressing their condolences to Phillips’ family and his colleagues.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear shared a statement, saying, “Kentucky, please join Britainy and me as we pray for the family of Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips, whose life was taken today after being shot in the line of duty. Hayden was a hero who dedicated himself to protecting our commonwealth. Even more, he was a devoted husband and loving father to three children. Let us wrap our arms around this family during this unimaginable time.”
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman also released a statement on the shooting, saying his office will continue to support KSP.
“Earlier today one of Kentucky’s Finest, Trooper Hayden Phillips, made the ultimate sacrifice. Behind the badge was a man with a family, brothers and sisters in gray, and a grateful Commonwealth. Detectives from the Attorney General’s Office were on the scene and will continue to support our Kentucky State Police colleagues,” Coleman said.
Indiana State Police shared condolences to Phillips’ family and friends in a post on social media.