KSP: Soldier shot, killed in the line of duty; suspect charged with murder WARREN COUNTY, Ky. — A Kentucky State Trooper is dead after a shooting in western Kentucky and police have detained a suspect. KSP said the shooting occurred on I-65 in Warren County, Kentucky, near Bowling Green. Warren County is located about 210 miles southwest of Cincinnati. According to KSP, Trooper Hayden Phillips, 30, died while patrolling the interstate. Investigators said the shooting occurred after Phillips stopped a car and the driver of the vehicle shot him. “He was assigned to Post 3 Bowling Green and graduated Cadet Class 103. His dedication to duty and commitment to the community will not be forgotten,” KSP Col. Phillip Burnett Jr shared in a statement. A statewide Blue Alert was issued after the shooting and was canceled after the suspect was taken into custody by the Louisville Metro Police Department. The suspect was identified as 51-year-old Emonnie Branch. Branch has been charged with murder of a first responder or law enforcement officer. KSP Post 3 Bowling Green is leading the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 immediately. Reactions pour in in the state Leaders, legislators and law enforcement officials reacted to the shooting on Monday and expressed their condolences to Phillips’ family and his colleagues. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear shared a statement saying, “Kentucky, please join Britainy and me as we pray for the family of Kentucky State Police 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 community. Even more, he was a devoted husband and loving father of three children. Let’s hold this family during this unimaginable time.” Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman also released a statement regarding the shooting, saying his office will continue to support KSP. “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,” Coleman said. Indiana State Police shared their condolences to Phillips’ family and friends in a social media post.
