WARREN COUNTY, KY — A Kentucky State Police trooper was shot and killed Monday afternoon during a vehicle stop on Interstate 65 in Warren County, triggering a regional manhunt that ended hours later with a suspect in custody.
State police identified the trooper as 30-year-old Hayden Phillips, who was struck while stopping a vehicle around 2 p.m. CT. He later died from his injuries, according to KSP.
The arrest came after authorities issued a Blue Alert and warned the public that a suspect considered armed and dangerous was at large. By around 6:30 p.m., police said the person sought in the shooting had been detained and the alert canceled.
How officers tracked the suspect to Louisville
Kentucky State Police said the suspect was arrested in Louisville after officers used a grappler to stop his car. Louisville police made the arrest, and state police later confirmed that the suspect had been taken into custody.
The man identified by authorities is 51-year-old Emonnie Branch of Portland, Tennessee. He is charged with murder of a first responder or peace officer, according to officials.
Police said Branch was being returned to Warren County, where prosecutors said he will be tried. His mugshot had not been released following the arrest.
What police said happened on Interstate 65
KSP said Phillips stopped a vehicle on I-65 when he was shot during the encounter. Officials have not released additional details about what led up to the gunfire.
During the search, police were looking for a 2025 blueish-gray Honda Civic believed to have been at the scene. Another public alert named Branch as the person sought in the case.
Authorities told the public Branch should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. The Blue Alert remained in place until officers confirmed the suspect was in custody later that evening.
Trooper Hayden Phillips remembered by Kentucky State Police
KSP issued a statement mourning the loss of Phillips, who was assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green and was a graduate of Cadet Class 103. The agency said he made “the ultimate sacrifice” while patrolling I-65.
State police also said his dedication to duty and commitment to Kentucky would not be forgotten. The department said it would support Phillips’ family and fellow troopers in the days ahead as the agency processed the loss.
Phillips had served as Unit 369, according to KSP. The agency did not immediately say how long he had been with the department.
State leaders respond to the shooting
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he and his wife, Britainy, were praying for Phillips’ family after the trooper was shot in the line of duty. Beshear described Phillips as a hero who dedicated himself to protecting the commonwealth.
Beshear also said Phillips was a devoted husband and the father of three children. He urged Kentuckians to surround the family with support during what he called an unimaginable time.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman also responded, saying detectives from his office were on the scene and would continue supporting Kentucky State Police investigators.
Investigation continues as prosecutors prepare the case
KSP said the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to examine the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the stop. Officials have not publicly identified any additional suspects.
The case is expected to move forward in Warren County, where Branch is to be tried. For now, the focus remains on the death of a trooper who was shot while conducting what state police described as a routine stop on one of Kentucky’s busiest highways.
Authorities have not said when Branch will first appear in court or whether other charges could be filed.
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