A Tennessee man has been charged with murder after Kentucky State Police say a trooper was fatally shot during a traffic stop on Interstate 65 in Warren County on Sept. 28.
Emonnie Branch, 51, of Portland, was arrested in connection with the death of Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips, according to online jail records. Branch is being held at the Warren County Regional Jail.
Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said Phillips was conducting a traffic stop on I-65 near the Tennessee state line at about 2 p.m. when the occupant of the vehicle allegedly shot him. The vehicle left the scene, leading to what Burnett described as an exhaustive search by law enforcement agencies.
Authorities later found the vehicle in Jefferson
County, where Louisville Metro Police officers arrested Branch.
Here’s what to know about the shooting:
Suspect identified as Portland resident
Branch, a resident of Portland just south of the Kentucky-Tennessee state line, was taken into custody after officers found the vehicle connected to the shooting in the Louisville area.
Online jail records show he faces a charge of murder of a first responder (peace officer) in connection with the case.
Kentucky State Police have not released additional details about the investigation.
Trooper killed during traffic stop
State police identified the fallen officer as Trooper Hayden Phillips, a member of Cadet Class 103 who served with Unit 369 and was assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green.
“His dedication to duty and commitment to the commonwealth will not be forgotten,” Burnett said.
In a statement shared on social media, Burnett added, “Our hearts break for Trooper Phillips’ family, loved ones, and fellow troopers as we grieve this tremendous loss.”
Where is Warren County
Warren County is located about 66 miles north of Nashville, near the Kentucky and Tennessee state line.
Wife remembers trooper as devoted husband and father
In a Facebook post, Phillips' wife, Jordan Phillips, reflected on her husband's recent birthday celebrations and the life they shared with their children.
“I can’t even fathom getting past the next minute without” him, Jordan Phillips wrote.
She said their family celebrated the trooper's 29th birthday early for two weekends in a row, describing him as “just the kind of guy who is easy to celebrate.”
“I ask you to help my boys and I remember and honor him not just tomorrow - but every day to come,” Jordan said. “My boys deserve to hear every funny memory, every story … to know the hero their daddy is. To know the man their mommy loved so deeply.”
Officials react to shooting
Gov. Andy Beshear asked Kentuckians to keep the trooper's family in their prayers.
“Hayden was a hero who dedicated himself to protecting our commonwealth,” Beshear said in a social media post. “Even more, he was a devoted husband and loving father to three children.”
State Sens. Mike Wilson of Bowling Green, David Givens of Greensburg and Max Wise of Campbellsville issued a joint statement on behalf of Senate Majority Leadership and the Senate Majority Caucus, calling the death a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face.
“We are devastated by the loss of Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips. He went to work today to protect the people of this commonwealth and did not make it home,” the statement said.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said detectives from his office were assisting Kentucky State Police with the investigation.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg also expressed condolences and thanked the law enforcement agencies involved in Branch's arrest.
“My heart goes out to the family and friends of KSP Trooper Hayden Phillips,” Greenberg wrote. “Today’s horrific act of violence underscores the danger our police officers face every day.”
What is a Blue Alert?
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services says Blue Alerts are used to rapidly share information that can help authorities locate suspects who kill or seriously injure officers in the line of duty.
The alerts also can be activated when a suspect poses an imminent threat to law enforcement or when an officer is missing.
Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and Ohio are among 37 states that have Blue Alert plans.
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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Kentucky trooper killed in I-65 stop; Tennessee man charged
