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Kentucky State Police trooper killed in Warren County, suspect captured in Louisville

A Kentucky State Police trooper was shot and killed in the line of duty Monday in Warren County.

KSP issued a Blue Alert about the shooting just after 2 p.m., describing it as a “severe attack on law enforcement.” The incident reportedly took place along northbound I-65 near Smiths Grove, just north of Bowling Green.

A later statement from the KSP Commissioner, Colonel Phillip Burnett, Jr., announced the passing of 30-year-old Trooper Hayden Phillips, who was assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green.

A photo of the suspect vehicle was circulated. The blue Honda Civic had an Alabama temporary tag of TN018596 and was seen heading north on I-65.

KSP said just after 5:30 p.m. Monday that the Blue Alert had been canceled and that the suspect, identified as 51-year-old Emonnie Branch of Portland, Tennessee, had been captured in Louisville by Louisville Metro Police. Reports indicated that LMPD used a grappler to secure the vehicle, facilitating the arrest.

At a press conference Monday night in Bowling Green, Burnett said that Phillips was shot by the occupant of a vehicle he stopped along I-65. Details of what precipitated the stop or how the events unfolded were not disclosed, as evidence is still being gathered. Specific details of the capture were not available, either.

Phillips leaves behind a wife and three children. Burnett addressed Trooper Phillips’ family, saying that KSP will stand with them and that justice will be sought.

The shooter will be transported back to Bowling Green and will face state murder charges. U.S. Attorney Kyle Baumgardner said his office would provide whatever support was necessary to the Commonwealth’s Attorney, who will prosecute the case.

Attorney General Russell Coleman also issued a statement:

"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."



Photo is a screen capture from Monday night's Press Briefing

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