A Kentucky state trooper was fatally shot during a traffic stop on Interstate 65 in Warren County on Monday, prompting a statewide manhunt that ended with the suspect's capture.
Trooper Hayden Phillips, 30, was killed in the incident, leaving behind a wife and three young sons. "He was senselessly murdered," said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner at a news conference on Monday night. "We have a wife that expected her husband to come home. We have three little boys who don’t have a dad."
Phillips, a three-year veteran of the Kentucky State Police, was assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green. He graduated from Cadet Class 103 and was known to his colleagues as Unit 369. The agency's Commissioner, Col. Phillip Burnett Jr., pledged to pursue justice for Phillips. "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."
The suspect, identified as Emonnie Branch, was taken into custody by Louisville Metro Police after a Blue Alert was issued. Branch will be charged with the murder of a first responder and will face state murder charges in Warren County. Burnett condemned Branch's "cowardly actions" and promised that state police would stand beside Phillips' family during this difficult time.
Governor Andy Beshear called Phillips a hero who dedicated himself to protecting Kentucky, and praised his dedication to his family as well. The outpouring of support from the community, including lawmakers and country singer Lee Greenwood, has been widespread.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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