A Kentucky State Police trooper was killed Monday in a shooting on Interstate 65, and authorities have taken a suspect into custody.
A Kentucky State Police trooper was killed Monday in a shooting on Interstate 65, and authorities have taken a suspect into custody.
Kentucky State Police identified the trooper as 28-year-old Hayden Phillips, Unit 369, who was assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Phillips was conducting a traffic stop on I-65 North in Warren County around 2 p.m. Monday when he was shot by an occupant in the vehicle. The vehicle then fled the scene.
Kentucky State Police trooper Hayden Phillips, seen here, died Monday, Sept. 28, 2026 in the line of duty. He belonged to Unit 369 and was assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green, Ky. He graduated from KSP Cadet Class 103. He leaves behind a wife and three little boys. (Photo: KSP)KSP issued a Blue Alert and identified the wanted person as 51-year-old Emonnie Branch, of Portland, Tennessee. As of Monday evening, Kentucky State Police canceled the Blue Alert, and Louisville Metro Police Department took Branch into custody in Jefferson County.
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, Kyle G. Bumgarner, says Branch was arrested and will soon be transported back to Warren County, where he will face state murder charges.
WATCH BELOW: Kentucky State Press Conference
"Today, we face one of the most difficult moments an agency can endure as we announce the loss of one of our own,” KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said.
Phillips graduated from KSP Cadet Class 103 and is a three-year veteran with the department. He leaves behind a wife, three children and his parents.
“His dedication to duty and commitment to the commonwealth will not be forgotten,” Burnett said.
"We will seek justice for Hayden," Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. speaks at Monday night's press conference. "We will not rest until this happens."
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear asked for the following statement to be shared during the press conference.
“Kentucky, please join Brittany and I as we pray for the family of 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 the family during this time.”
Federal, state and local agencies all responded to the scene after the shooting. Branch is charged with murder of a first responder and will not be allowed to post bond.
KSP says the only official way to donate to Phillips' family is through the Kentucky State police Foundation and warns of schemes targeting individuals trying to help.
This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 17 News for more updates.
