The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team are investigating the fatal shooting that killed a state trooper in Warren County on Monday afternoon.
KSP Post 3 Bowling Green received a call that a KSP trooper had been shot on I-65 just north of Bowling Green. A preliminary investigation indicates that 28-year-old Trooper Hayden Phillips conducted a traffic stop near northbound I-65-mile marker 39 when he was fatally shot by the driver of the vehicle, who then fled the scene.
Based on witness information as well as Trooper Phillips’s dash camera and body-worn camera footage, a suspect vehicle was developed. Through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, the suspect was identified as 51-year-old Emonnie Branch of Portland, TN.
Shortly after 5 p.m. Monday, a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle was located in Louisville. The Louisville Metro Police Department utilized a grappler device, stopping the vehicle on Dixie Highway near Burwell Avenue.
The operator and sole occupant of the vehicle was taken into custody without further incident. No other injuries were reported.
Currently, the suspect is charged with Murder of First Responder in connection with the death of Trooper Hayden Phillips. The investigation remains ongoing.
KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the commonwealth as requested by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
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