Kentucky State Police Investigate Fatal Trooper-Involved Shooting in Warren County

SMITHS GROVE, Ky. (Sept. 29, 2026) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has been requested by KSP Post 3 Bowling Green to investigate a trooper-involved shooting that occurred on Monday, Sept. 28, shortly after 2 p.m. CT in Warren County. 

Post 3 Bowling Green received a call that a KSP trooper had been shot on Interstate 65 (I-65) just north of Bowling Green. The preliminary investigation indicates that 28-year-old Trooper Hayden Phillips conducted a traffic stop near northbound I-65 mile marker 39 when he was fatally shot by the driver of the vehicle, who then fled the scene. Based on witness information as well as Trooper Phillips’s dash camera and body-worn camera footage, a suspect vehicle was developed. Through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, the suspect was identified as 51-year-old Emonnie Branch of Portland, TN.  

Shortly after 5 p.m. CT, a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle was located in Louisville. The Louisville Metro Police Department utilized a grappler device, stopping the vehicle on Dixie Highway near Burwell Avenue. The operator and sole occupant of the vehicle was taken into custody without further incident. No other injuries were reported.  

Currently, the suspect is charged with Murder of First Responder (Peace Officer) in connection with the death of Trooper Hayden Phillips. The investigation remains ongoing.  

KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the commonwealth as requested by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation. To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, it is KSP’s standard operating procedure not to release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts gathered. Timelines for completing investigations vary depending on the complexity of the case. 

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