A routine traffic stop on a Kentucky interstate ended in tragedy Monday after a state trooper was fatally shot, triggering a statewide manhunt that concluded with a suspect’s arrest.
Trooper Hayden Phillips, 30, was killed on Interstate 65 in Warren County. He is survived by his wife and three young sons.
“He was senselessly murdered,” U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner said during a news conference Monday night. “We have a wife that expected her husband to come home. We have three little boys who don’t have a dad.”
Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips was killed Monday while patrolling Interstate 65 in Warren County. (KY State Police)
Phillips had served with the Kentucky State Police for three years and was assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green. He graduated with Cadet Class 103 and was identified by fellow troopers as Unit 369.
“Because he served us, because he served our community, because he wanted to keep each of us safe,” Bumgarner said. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
Kentucky State Police Commissioner Col. Phillip Burnett Jr. vowed that the agency would pursue justice in Phillips’ death.
“We will seek justice for Hayden,” Burnett said. “Let me repeat that, we will seek justice for Hayden. We will not rest until this happens.”
Burnett described Phillips’ death as one of the most painful moments the agency has faced.
“His dedication to duty and commitment to the Commonwealth will never be forgotten,” Burnett said. “Our hearts break for Trooper Phillips’ family, loved ones, and fellow troopers as we grieve this tremendous loss.”
Kentucky State Police initially reported a trooper-involved shooting on northbound I-65 near mile marker 38. Investigators later asked the public to look for a bluish-gray Honda Civic with an Alabama license plate that had been at the scene. A Blue Alert named Emonnie Branch as the wanted person.
Kentucky State Police released an image of a Honda Civic they said was present when Trooper Hayden Phillips was shot on Interstate 65. (KY State Police)
Louisville Metro Police later arrested Branch, prompting state police to cancel the alert. Burnett said Branch was charged with murdering a first responder, while Bumgarner said he would be returned to Warren County to face state murder charges.
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A Kentucky State Police cruiser is shown in this undated photo. (Silas Walker/Lexington Herald-Leader/Tribune News Service)
“I want you to know I only mentioned his name one time,” Burnett said while denouncing what he called the suspect’s “cowardly actions.”
Authorities have not disclosed what led Phillips to stop the vehicle or whether Branch had a previous criminal record.
“One of our own was gunned down and murdered on the side of the road,” Bumgarner said. He promised that the Justice Department would provide Kentucky prosecutors and investigators with “every tool” and “every bit of support” available.
Burnett also spoke directly to Phillips’ family, assuring them that Kentucky State Police would remain at their side.
“You will not walk this path alone,” he said.
“Rest Easy U/369. We have it from here,” state police wrote in a tribute to Phillips.
Gov. Andy Beshear called Phillips a hero who dedicated himself to protecting Kentucky. He said the trooper was also “a devoted husband and loving father to three children.”
“Let us wrap our arms around this family during this unimaginable time,” the governor wrote.
Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., thanked law enforcement for its swift work and said Phillips’ wife, their three young children and his colleagues were in his prayers. Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., urged people to pray for Phillips’ family and fellow officers.
Rep. Morgan McGarvey, D-Ky., also offered prayers for Phillips’ family and said Kentucky would not forget his service.
“Alongside his fellow KSP troopers and all who knew and loved him, we will not forget his service to our commonwealth,” McGarvey wrote.
Country singer Lee Greenwood mourned Phillips, writing that he and his wife, Kim, had learned of the trooper’s death and would “always stand with the men and women in blue.”
