Portland Man Charged with Murder of Kentucky Trooper on I-65
Portland, Tennessee: (Smokey Barn News). A Portland, Tennessee man has been charged with murder following the shooting death of a Kentucky State Police trooper during a traffic stop Monday afternoon.
According to Kentucky State Police, Trooper Hayden Phillips, 30, was conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 65 in Warren County at about 2 p.m. Monday, September 28th, when he was shot and killed by an occupant of the vehicle. The vehicle then fled the scene.
Kentucky State Police identified the suspect as 51-year-old Emonnie Branch of Portland, Tennessee. Authorities launched an extensive search for Branch and the vehicle connected to the shooting. Branch was later located in Jefferson County. and taken into custody by Louisville Metro Police. Kentucky State Police said Branch is charged with murder of a first responder/peace officer and was to be returned to Warren County to face the charge.
Trooper Phillips was assigned to Kentucky State Police Post 3 in Bowling Green and was a graduate of Cadet Class 103. Kentucky State Police Commissioner Colonel Phillip Burnett Jr. said Phillips, quote, “made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the Commonwealth.” Phillips leaves behind his wife and three children. Kentucky State Police held a media briefing Monday night in Bowling Green following Phillips’ death and Branch’s capture. The investigation remains ongoing.
