UPDATE: Kentucky State Police issues first release detailing preliminary investigation of fatal shooting of Trooper Hayden Phillips

SMITHS GROVE, Ky. – The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is investigating the fatal shooting of a trooper on I-65.

According to a release, KSP Post 3 requested CIRT to investigate the shooting death of Trooper Hayden Phillips, 28, of Glasgow.

The release states that Post 3 Troopers responded to I-65 just north of Bowling Green at mile marker 39 northbound just after 2 p.m. Monday.

KSP’s preliminary investigation indicates that Trooper Phillips conducted a traffic stop when he was fatally shot by the driver of the vehicle. The driver then fled the scene.

KSP says witness statements, dash camera video and body-worn camera video identified the suspected vehicle.

The suspect was identified as 51-year-old Emonnie Branch of Portland, Tennessee, with the assistance of local, state and federal agencies.

KSP says the vehicle was located in Louisville shortly after 5 p.m. The Louisville Metro Police Department used a grappler device to stop the vehicle on Dixie Highway near Burwell Avenue. Branch was arrested without incident. No injuries were reported.

Branch is charged with murder of a first responder (peace officer) in connection with the death of Trooper Phillips.

The investigation is 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.

On Tuesday, Branch was arraigned at the Warren County Courthouse.

Branch was denied bond.