Armed & Dangerous Suspect Arrested After Killing Kentucky State Trooper at Traffic Stop

This is a heartbreaking and terrible story.

Kentucky State Trooper Hayden Phillips was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Monday afternoon.

Sadly, Phillips leaves behind a loving wife and three children.

KSP Trooper Hayden Phillips was murdered on I-65 today, doing his job.

He was a husband and a dad to three.

He's the first Kentucky trooper killed in the line of duty since 2015.

Thank you, LMPD, for catching the suspect fast. Now we need every charge and no shortcuts.

Pray… pic.twitter.com/AgmoapbINr

— Kentucky Girl (@Kentuckygirl1) September 29, 2026

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The incident took place off of Interstate 65 in Warren County, and, initially his killer escaped.

But, after an hours-long, statewide manhunt, the armed and dangerous suspect was taken into custody.

KY State police released a statement after losing one of their own:

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. -KSP Colonel Phillips Burnett, Jr.

— KY State Police (@kystatepolice) September 29, 2026

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This afternoon, around 2 p.m. central time, Tpr. Hayden Phillips, Unit 369, stopped a vehicle on Interstate 65 in Warren County. During the traffic stop, Tpr. Phillips was fatally shot by an occupant of that vehicle.

— KY State Police (@kystatepolice) September 29, 2026

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Full statement:

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. -KSP Colonel Phillips Burnett, Jr.

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.

This afternoon, around 2 p.m. central time, Tpr. Hayden Phillips, Unit 369, stopped a vehicle on Interstate 65 in Warren County. During the traffic stop, Tpr. Phillips was fatally shot by an occupant of that vehicle.

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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear also shared a statement:

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.

— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) September 28, 2026

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The murder suspect has been identified as 51-year-old Emonnie Branch.

Here’s a photo of him being arrested:

Suspect Emonnie Branch, 51, is taken into custody in Louisville by Kentucky State Police and Louisville Metro Police following the shooting death of KSP Trooper Hayden Phillips on I65 near Smiths Grove. Phillips was killed in an officer involved shooting Monday, Sept 28. pic.twitter.com/ZW5S1Hxrxa

— Joe Imel (@joeimel) September 28, 2026

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Fox 17 confirmed Branch’s arrest:

The shooting happened Monday afternoon on I-65 North near mile marker 38 in Warren County, near Smiths Grove.

KSP issued a ‘Blue Alert’ and identified the wanted person as Emonnie Branch.

As of Monday evening, Kentucky State Police canceled the ‘Blue Alert’ for the trooper-involved shooting.

Louisville Metro Police took suspect Emonnie Branch, 51, into custody.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, Kyle G. Bumgarner, says Branch was arrested and will soon be transported back to Warren County, where he will face state murder charges.

Phillips graduated from KSP Cadet Class 103.

“His dedication to duty and commitment to the commonwealth will not be forgotten,” Burnett said.

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This monster needs to be locked up for life!

Please keep Hayden Phillips’ family in your prayers in their time of unimaginable loss.

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[ H/T WLT Report ]