Kentucky State Trooper Hayden Phillips shot dead on I-65, suspect Emonnie Branch arrested

Trooper Hayden Phillips was fatally shot on Interstate 65 in Warren County, Kentucky. Suspect Emonnie Branch, 51, was taken into custody by Louisville Metro Police.

Kentucky State Trooper killed in I-65 shooting, suspect in custody

A Kentucky State Police trooper was shot and killed Monday afternoon on Interstate 65 North near mile marker 38 in Warren County, close to Smiths Grove, fox17.com reports.

Kentucky State Police identified the trooper as Hayden Phillips, Unit 369, assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green. Phillips was a graduate of KSP Cadet Class 103. "His dedication to duty and commitment to the commonwealth will not be forgotten," KSP's Burnett said.

Following the shooting, Kentucky State Police issued a "Blue Alert" naming Emonnie Branch as the wanted suspect. By Monday evening, Louisville Metro Police had taken Branch, 51, into custody, and the Blue Alert was cancelled.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, Kyle G. Bumgarner, confirmed that Branch was arrested and would be transported back to Warren County to face state murder charges.

Kentucky State Police acknowledged the fallen officer on social media: "Rest Easy U/369. We have it from here."

A press conference was scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. in Bowling Green. Branch is being held without bail.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)