Kentucky State Police identified the fallen officer as 30-year-old Trooper Hayden Phillips, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop on Interstate 65 in Warren County, Kentucky, on September 28, 2026. [1, 2]
## What Happened
* The Incident: Trooper Phillips was conducting a traffic stop near the 38-mile marker on I-65 Monday afternoon when an occupant inside the vehicle shot him. The suspect vehicle then fled the scene. [1, 2]
* The Suspect: Authorities launched an intense search and identified the suspect as 51-year-old Emonnie Branch of Portland, Tennessee. [1, 2]
* The Arrest: Louisville Metro Police tracked the suspect vehicle north using the Flock camera system and apprehended Branch in Jefferson County after using a grappler device to safely disable his car. [2, 3]
* Charges: Branch was denied bail at his arraignment and charged with the murder of a first responder/peace officer. Officials later noted that Trooper Phillips' own handcuffs were placed on Branch during the capture. [4, 5]
If you'd like, I can provide more details on:
* The memorial and funeral arrangements announced for Trooper Phillips
* Official donation channels authorized to support his family
[1] [https://abcnews.com](https://abcnews.com/US/kentucky-state-trooper-killed-shooting-patrolling-highway-police/story?id=136837002)
[2] [https://www.fox5dc.com](https://www.fox5dc.com/news/kentucky-state-trooper-killed-routine-traffic-stop)
[3] [https://www.wsmv.com](https://www.wsmv.com/2026/09/30/police-say-flock-camera-system-grappler-device-led-arrest-suspect-killing-kentucky-trooper/)
[4] [https://fox17.com](https://fox17.com/news/local/suspect-charged-after-kentucky-trooper-killed-on-i-65-north)
[5] [https://www.wbko.com](https://www.wbko.com/2026/09/30/louisville-metro-police-department-says-ksp-trooper-hayden-phillips-handcuffs-were-able-be-placed-murder-suspect-upon-capture/)