A Kentucky state trooper was shot and killed along Interstate 65 during what several outlets described as a traffic stop or routine stop. State police confirmed the shooting, according to The Washington Times.
The trooper was identified as Hayden Phillips, 30, according to Fox News and Independent Journal Review. Fox News reported he leaves behind a wife and three sons.
Authorities launched a manhunt for the suspect after the shooting, according to the Associated Press and Independent Journal Review. According to Independent Journal Review, the shooting occurred on Sept. 28, 2026, in Warren County, and police sought an armed suspect identified as Emonnie Branch, who was reportedly driving a bluish-gray 2025 Honda Civic.
A suspect was later apprehended following the search, according to Fox News and The Washington Times.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Associated Press reported that authorities were searching for a suspect in the fatal shooting of a state trooper along the highway.
“Kentucky authorities search for suspect in fatal shooting of state trooper along highway” — Associated Press
Right
- Fox News identified the trooper as Hayden Phillips, 30, a father of three killed during a traffic stop.
- Independent Journal Review named the suspect as Emonnie Branch and described his vehicle as a bluish-gray 2025 Honda Civic.
- The Washington Times and Fox News both reported that a suspect was apprehended after the manhunt.
“Trooper Hayden Phillips was shot and killed on I-65 in Warren County on Sept. 28, 2026; KSP sought armed suspect Emonnie Branch in a bluish-gray 2025 Honda Civic.” — Independent Journal Review
Questions readers ask
What happened to the Kentucky state trooper?
Kentucky State Trooper Hayden Phillips, 30, was fatally shot during a traffic stop along Interstate 65, according to Fox News and Independent Journal Review.
Was a suspect caught?
Yes, according to Fox News and The Washington Times, a suspect was apprehended after a manhunt following the shooting.
Who was the suspect being sought?
According to Independent Journal Review, police sought an armed suspect identified as Emonnie Branch, who was driving a bluish-gray 2025 Honda Civic.
When and where did the shooting occur?
According to Independent Journal Review, the shooting occurred on Sept. 28, 2026, on Interstate 65 in Warren County, Kentucky.
Did Trooper Phillips have a family?
According to Fox News, Phillips leaves behind a wife and three sons.
Sources · 4 outlet reports
- Associated PressLeft-leaningKentucky authorities search for suspect in fatal shooting of state trooper along highway
- Fox NewsRight-leaningKentucky trooper, father of 3, gunned down during traffic stop as suspect captured after manhunt
- Independent Journal ReviewRight-leaningKentucky Police Hunt Armed Suspect After Trooper Shooting on I-65
- The Washington TimesRight-leaningKentucky authorities apprehend suspect in fatal shooting of state trooper along highway