A Kentucky state trooper was tragically killed during a traffic stop on an interstate, leading to a statewide manhunt. Trooper Hayden Phillips, aged 30, was shot along Interstate 65 in Warren County on Monday. He leaves behind a wife and three young sons.
At a news conference, U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner expressed deep sorrow, stating, “He was senselessly murdered. We have a wife that expected her husband to come home. We have three little boys who don’t have a dad.”
Phillips was a three-year veteran with Kentucky State Police, stationed at Post 3 in Bowling Green. Known as Unit 369, he graduated from Cadet Class 103. Bumgarner highlighted Phillips’ dedication, saying, “Because he served us, because he served our community, because he wanted to keep each of us safe, he gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
Kentucky State Police Commissioner Col. Phillip Burnett Jr. vowed to seek justice for Phillips. “We will seek justice for Hayden,” he asserted. “We will not rest until this happens.”
Phillips’ death is regarded as one of the hardest losses for the agency. “His dedication to duty and commitment to the Commonwealth will never be forgotten,” Burnett said. He offered condolences to Phillips’ family and colleagues as they grieve this significant loss.
Initially, state police reported a trooper-involved shooting near the 38-mile marker on northbound I-65. They urged the public to be on the lookout for a bluish-gray Honda Civic with an Alabama tag, believed to be involved in the incident. Emonnie Branch was identified in a Blue Alert as the suspect. The police released a photo of a Honda Civic related to the shooting.
Louisville Metro Police later apprehended Branch, and state police canceled the alert. Branch faces charges for the murder of a first responder. Bumgarner confirmed Branch’s impending transfer to Warren County for state murder charges.
Authorities have not disclosed the reason Phillips stopped the vehicle or provided information about Branch’s criminal record. “One of our own was gunned down and murdered on the side of the road,” Bumgarner noted, pledging federal support to assist state prosecutors and investigators.
Burnett reassured Phillips’ family of the state police’s unwavering support. “You will not walk this path alone,” he said, promising solidarity during their grieving period. Tributes to Phillips included, “Rest Easy U/369. We have it from here,” written by state police.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described Phillips as a hero committed to safeguarding the state. He mentioned Phillips was “a devoted husband and loving father to three children.” He called for support for the family during this challenging time.
Representative Brett Guthrie thanked law enforcement for their swift response and kept Phillips’ family and colleagues in his prayers. Representative James Comer encouraged prayers for Phillips’ family and law enforcement peers. Representative Morgan McGarvey also emphasized never forgetting Phillips’ service.
Country singer Lee Greenwood expressed condolences, assuring continued support for law enforcement. Stepheny Price, a writer focusing on crime stories, contributed to this reporting.