STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Kentucky State Police have released the name of the state trooper who was shot and killed earlier Monday afternoon.
“Today, we face one of the most difficult moments an agency can endure as we announce the loss of one of our own. Trooper Hayden Phillips, Unit 369, made the ultimate sacrifice while patrolling I-65 in Warren County. 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.
“Our hearts break for Trooper Phillips’ family, loved ones, and fellow troopers as we grieve this tremendous loss. We will carry his memory with us, honor the life he lived and the badge he wore, and stand together as an agency to support this family in the days ahead.”
-Colonel Phillip Burnett, Jr.
Phillips had been a state trooper for nearly four years. He was previously an officer with the Glasgow Police Department.
He is the first state trooper to be killed in the line of duty since Joseph Cameron Ponder was fatally shot Sept. 13, 2015, in Lyon County, according to information on the state police website. Ponder was shot while conducting a routine traffic stop along Interstate 24.
The suspect in Phillips’ death has not been caught. He has been identified as Emonnie Branch, by state police and described as a Black man with dreadlocks in a bun.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear released the follow statement:
“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.”
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Kentucky State Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly shot a state trooper about 1:30 p.m. Monday.
Trooper Katan Parker told Glasgow News 1 to contact Sherry Bray, the spokesperson for Kentucky State Police.
According to scanner traffic, a trooper was shot near the Smiths Grove mile marker.
A Blue Alert was issued at 2:18 p.m.
It stated that a suspect wanted in severe attack on law enforcement in Warren County. The suspect may be in a Blueish-Gray Honda Civic with a temporary Alabama license plate with the plate number TN018596.
It was last seen near I-65 northbound mile marker 75.
“Law enforcement considers the individual armed and dangerous,” the alert stated. “If seen, do not approach.”
Call 911 or KSP at 502-227-2221.
The state police have described the person in the car as a black male. There were no other descriptions officially released.
Road Closure
While law enforcement is working the scene near Smiths Grove, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 has posted that the roadway will be close. See the map below for more details.
The district posted on social media the road closure is expected to last two hours.
