Details of traffic stop released after death of Trooper Hayden Phillips

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – New details are now available surrounding a traffic stop that occurred before Hayden Phillips died in the line of duty on Monday.

According to a complaint warrant, on Sept. 28, Phillips conducted a traffic stop on a “bluish-gray Honda Civic” on Interstate 65 Northbound near the 38-mile marker in Warren County.

The document states the Honda had a temporary tag that was expired.

According to the complaint warrant, Phillips approached the vehicle from the passenger side. His in-car camera captured the interaction that occurred, according to the document.

The document states Phillips can be seen in the video footage leaning into the vehicle, speaking with the driver and sole occupant.

The warrant says two shots are then fired before Phillips collapses backwards.

According to the warrant, the Civic then leaves the scene, continuing to travel on I-65.

It was that afternoon that troopers say Phillips would be located dead before an hours-long pursuit would ensue to capture the vehicle, and, ultimately, a suspect, identified as 51-year-old Emonnie Branch of Portland, Tennessee.

Branch was apprehended in Louisville and arrested using Philips’ handcuffs, according to authorities. According to the document, blood was found on the passenger side of Branch’s vehicle.

He faces a charge of murder of a first responder (peace officer) and was served an outstanding arrest warrant.

Branch appeared in court for arraignment on Tuesday and is scheduled to return for a preliminary hearing on Friday, Oct. 2. He remains incarcerated at the Warren County Regional Jail.