Trooper Hayden Phillips. Photo courtesy of Kentucky State Police
STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
On Monday afternoon, Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop along Interstate 65 near Smiths Grove.
The shooting launched a manhunt that lasted several hours, before suspect Emonnie Dion Branch was arrested in Louisville by the Metro Police Department.
Branch, 51, of Portland, Tenn., was returned to Warren County, and made an initial court appearance Tuesday morning.
Also Tuesday morning, Phillips’ body was returned from the Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville to Hatcher and Saddler Funeral Home in Glasgow. Multiple law enforcement and emergency services agencies along the route joined in the escort.
An official fundraiser has been set up by the Kentucky State Police Foundation. The foundation stated all money raised through its fundraiser will go to Hayden Phillips’ family.
Phillips was a former Glasgow police officer before he joined the state police. On Monday afternoon, the state police released a statement when they identified that Phillips had been shot and killed.
“Today, we face one of the most difficult moments an agency can endure as we announce the loss of one of our own. Trooper Hayden Phillips, Unit 369, made the ultimate sacrifice while patrolling I-65 in Warren County. 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.
“Our hearts break for Trooper Phillips’ family, loved ones, and fellow troopers as we grieve this tremendous loss. We will carry his memory with us, honor the life he lived and the badge he wore, and stand together as an agency to support this family in the days ahead.”
– Colonel Phillip Burnett, Jr.
Phillips is the first state trooper to be killed in the line of duty since Joseph Cameron Ponder was fatally shot Sept. 13, 2015, in Lyon County, according to information on the state police website. Ponder was shot while conducting a routine traffic stop along Interstate 24.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear released the follow statement:
“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 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.”
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