Emonnie Branch, a 51-year-old suspect, was taken into custody for the fatal shooting of Kentucky State trooper Hayden Phillips in Warren County on Monday afternoon.
The Louisville Metro Police Department took Branch into custody in Louisville’s West End area. Branch had fled the scene on a Honda Civic from the shooting on I-65 in Warren County, Kentucky, after shooting Trooper Phillips.
Who Is Emonnie Branch?
Branch was first identified as the suspect in the Blue Alert issued by the Kentucky State Police, Fox 17 Nashville reported. The Blue Alert, issued in the event of danger to law enforcement officials, was cancelled after Branch was taken into custody.
The investigation into the shooting continues, and Kentucky State Police has not revealed details surrounding the motive for Emonnie Branch.
Following Branch’s arrest, a photo surfaced which showed Branch being purportedly taken in by the police. The authenticity of the photo remains unverified.
Also read: Who was Hayden Phillips? KSP trooper killed in Warren County shooting
Alleged Arrest Records Surface
After the name of Emonnie Branch was released by the Kentucky State Police, internet sleuths tried to dig out details about the 51-year-old. Arrest records purportedly of Emonnie Branch are going viral on social media. Ht.com could not independently verify the authenticity of the viral chargesheet.
According to the chargesheet, Emonnie Branch is serving five years’ probation following a 2025 arrest in Kentucky. A mugshot associated with the fraud charges also surfaced on social media.
Trooper Hayden Phillips Killed: What To Know
The death of Kentucky State Trooper Hayden Phillips was confirmed by the Kentucky State Police in a post on social media. Phillips was patrolling when he was fatally shot allegedly by Branch during a traffic stop on I-65 in Warren County.
“Today, we face one of the most difficult moments an agency can endure as we announce the loss of one of our own,” Kentucky State Police wrote in a X post. “Trooper Hayden Phillips, Unit 369, made the ultimate sacrifice while patrolling I-65 in Warren County. He was assigned to Post 3 Bowling Green and was a graduate of Cadet Class 103. His dedication to duty and commitment to the commonwealth will not be forgotten.”
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also mourned the death of Trooper Phillips with a statement on X. “Kentucky, please join Britainy and me as we pray for the families of KSP Trooper Hayden Phillips, whose life was taken today after being shot in the line of duty,” Beshear wrote.