BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WMDJ) — Kentucky State Police is mourning the loss of a trooper killed during an attack on Interstate 65 in Warren County Monday.

KSP says Trooper Hayden Phillips, Unit 369, was killed while patrolling I-65 near Smiths Grove. Phillips was assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green and joined Kentucky State Police in 2023. 

KSP identified the suspect as Emonnie Branch, described as a Black male with dreadlocks. He is believed to be traveling in a blue-gray Honda Civic with Alabama temporary tag TN018596. Branch should be considered armed and dangerous, and anyone who sees him or the vehicle is urged not to approach and to call 911. A picture of the vehicle can be seen below.

KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said Phillips' dedication to duty and commitment to the Commonwealth will not be forgotten.

The investigation and search remain ongoing.