The Kentucky State Police issued a Blue Alert after an officer was shot on the Interstate 65 in Warren County on Monday afternoon. A hunt was launched for a suspect after officer Hayden Phillips was fatally shot. The suspect, Emonnie Branch has been taken into custody, the KSP confirmed.
A Blue Alert is a law-enforcement emergency alert used when police are searching for a suspect believed to have seriously injured or killed a law-enforcement officer.
The KSP said that the suspect had fled in a grey Honda Civic with an Alabama number plate. He was later captured by the Louisville Metro Police Department. The alert was subsequently canceled.
The investigation into the shooting, which happened during a traffic stop, is under investigation. Kentucky State Police have not revealed the motive behind the shooting.
“KSP has canceled the 'Blue Alert' for the trooper-involved shooting,” the department said. “A suspect has been taken into custody by the @LMPD We thank them for their dedication and all law enforcement who assisted with this effort.”
Trooper Killed In Shooting
{{/usCountry}}Trooper Killed In Shooting
{{/usCountry}}Kentucky State Police confirmed the death of the State Trooper Hayden Phillips in a post on X. "Trooper Hayden Phillips, Unit 369, made the ultimate sacrifice while patrolling I-65 in Warren County," a statement from the department read.
“He was assigned to Post 3 Bowling Green and was a graduate of Cadet Class 103. His dedication to duty and commitment to the commonwealth will not be forgotten.”
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also paid tribute to Trooper Hayden Phillips.
"Kentucky, please join Britainy and me as we pray for the families of KSP Trooper Hayden Phillips, whose life was taken today after being shot in the line of duty," the governor wrote. "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 this family during this unimaginable time,” he added.