Hopkinsville, KY (April 9, 2018) – As the investigation into fatal shooting of Officer Phillip Meacham reaches its conclusion, preliminary information not previously released is now coming to light.
It has been found that on March 29, 2018 Officer Phillip Meacham, off duty in his personal vehicle, observed another vehicle operating with flashing blue lights approach behind him in the area of Faulkner Drive. The vehicle with unlawful emergency lights was being operated by James K. Decoursey, who turned onto another street.
Officer Meacham was able to get back behind Mr. Decoursey, and contacted an on-duty supervisor, at approximately 4:59 PM, requesting a uniformed officer to assist in investigating the vehicle with flashing lights. After Decoursey pulled onto Paulette Court, a dead end street, Officer Meacham remained nearby to ensure Decoursey did not leave.
At approximately 5:11 PM a uniformed officer met Officer Meacham before they approached Mr. Decoursey, who appeared to be working on his vehicle in a driveway. Mr. Decoursey shot Officer Meacham, after contact was made, then fled the scene. Officer Meacham was transported to Jennie Stuart Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police Post 2 at 270-676-3313 or anonymously at 1-800-222-5555. Citizens may also report tips anonymously through the KSP app. The app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android applications and can be easily downloaded free of charge through Apple and Google Play stores.
(Update 2) KSP Investigating Shooting Death of a Hopkinsville Police Officer
Date of News Release: 3/30/2018
Hopkinsville, KY (March 30, 2018) – The Kentucky State Police was notified by law enforcement in Tennessee that James K. Decoursey is no longer a threat to the public. He was located in Clarksville, Tennessee where he had a brief encounter with law enforcement. Mr. Decoursey was shot and died from his injuries. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incidents that occurred in Tennessee.
(UPDATE) KSP Investigating Shooting Death of a Hopkinsville Police Officer
Date of News Release: 3/30/2018
Hopkinsville, KY (March 29, 2018) – The Kentucky State Police is still actively searching for James K. Decoursey. If anyone has any updates on Decoursey’s location, please contact local law enforcement. The Kentucky State Police is urging anyone who comes in contact with James Decoursey to use caution. He is still presumed to be armed and dangerous. It is possible Mr. Decoursey has changed vehicles.
Mr. Decoursey shot and killed Hopkinsville Police Officer Phillip Meacham, 38 years old, of Hopkinsville, KY. Officer Meacham leaves behind a wife and two school aged children. Officer Meacham had over 14 years of experience of law enforcement in Christian County.
The Kentucky State Police Special Response Team has responded to the area to assist in the search, the Tennessee Highway Patrol aircraft section is assisting, along with multiple local and federal agencies.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police Post 2 at 270-676-3313 or anonymously at 1-800-222-5555. Citizens may also report tips anonymously through the KSP app. The app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android applications and can be easily downloaded free of charge through Apple and Google Play stores.
Editor’s Note: Below is original press release. The Hopkinsville Police Department will make the determination if Officer Meacham was in the line of duty or off
KSP Investigating Shooting Death of a Hopkinsville Police Officer
Date of News Release: 3/30/2018
Hopkinsville, KY (March 29, 2018) – The Kentucky State Police was notified of a shooting involving an off-duty Hopkinsville Police Officer at approximately 5:10 P.M. The Officer was transported to Jenny Stuart Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect fled on foot and stole a 1997 White GMC pick-up truck, license plate number 2070GH. The suspect is James K. Decoursey, 34 of Hopkinsville, KY
The investigation is ongoing by Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police Post 2 at 270-676-3313 or anonymously at 1-800-222-5555. Citizens may also report tips anonymously through the KSP app. The app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android applications and can be easily downloaded free of charge through Apple and Google Play stores.
Attached photo of suspect; media can stage at UK Extension Office at 2850 Pembroke Road, Hopkinsville, KY. We will hold a press conference at approximately 9:00 P.M. Name of the officer is being withheld at this time to ensure notifications have been made, but will be released later on.