Crittenden County deputy shot in line of duty dies from injuries

The Crittenden County Sheriff's department posted this morning that Deputy Rick Coyle has passed away from injuries sustained after being shot in the line of duty earlier this month. The deputy died at home surrounded by family.

The incident occurred on April 2 when officers from the Crittenden County Sheriff's Office, along with staff from the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services, responded to a home on KY 365 to serve emergency guardianship paperwork. During the incident, gunfire was exchanged with 60-year-old suspect Ronnie Phillips, who was fatally wounded. 

The deputy was struck by gunfire from the suspect and was airlifted to Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville.

During a two-year tenure with the Crittenden County Sheriff's Office, the deputy served as the school resource officer for Crittenden County High School. Prior to that, the deputy served with the Chicago Police Department, where he retired after 28 years of dedicated service.

The Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude for the support received from the public and surrounding communities during this difficult time. 

The deputy will be laid to rest with full line-of-duty honors and benefits. Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalized.