A major law enforcement investigation is underway in Warren County, Kentucky, after a Kentucky State Police trooper was shot and killed along Interstate 65 on Monday, September 28, 2026.
Kentucky State Police later identified the fallen officer as Trooper Hayden Phillips, who was assigned to KSP Post 3 in Bowling Green.
Authorities launched an extensive search for a suspect following the shooting and issued a statewide Blue Alert warning that the individual should be considered armed and dangerous.
What Happened in the Warren County Shooting?
Kentucky State Police said the shooting occurred Monday afternoon on Interstate 65 North in Warren County, near the Smiths Grove area.
Initial reports described the incident as a “trooper-involved shooting,” prompting a large emergency response involving Kentucky State Police, Warren County law enforcement, emergency management personnel and EMS.
Authorities later confirmed that Trooper Hayden Phillips had been killed while patrolling I-65.
Kentucky Trooper Hayden Phillips Killed
Kentucky State Police identified the trooper as Hayden Phillips.
KSP said Phillips “made the ultimate sacrifice” while carrying out his duties on Interstate 65 in Warren County.
He was assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green and was a graduate of Kentucky State Police Cadet Class 103.
His death immediately triggered an expanded search operation and heightened law enforcement activity across the region.
Suspect Considered Armed and Dangerous
Following the shooting, Kentucky State Police issued a Blue Alert and warned the public that the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities began searching for a bluish-gray Honda Civic believed to have been present during the shooting.
The vehicle was reported as carrying an Alabama temporary license plate, TN018596.
The vehicle was later reported near Interstate 65 North around mile marker 75.
Police urged anyone who sees the vehicle not to approach it and instead contact law enforcement immediately.
Where Did the I-65 Shooting Happen?
Kentucky State Police initially reported that the trooper-involved shooting occurred near mile marker 38 on I-65 North in Warren County.
Other early reports referenced activity around mile markers 30 and 39 as law enforcement established road closures and responded throughout the area.
Those differing mile markers appear to reflect the broader emergency response and traffic closures rather than separate confirmed shootings.
Large Police Presence on Interstate 65
The shooting prompted a significant police and emergency response along I-65.
Motorists reported extensive law enforcement activity, and sections of the northbound interstate were closed while officers conducted their investigation and searched for the suspect.
Bowling Green Police advised drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes as authorities worked near the scene.
Blue Alert Issued Across Kentucky
Kentucky authorities issued a statewide Blue Alert following what officials described as a severe attack on law enforcement.
The alert was used to notify residents about the suspect vehicle and warn the public not to approach anyone believed to be connected with the shooting.
The vehicle description circulated by KSP was a bluish-gray Honda Civic with temporary Alabama registration TN018596.
Is the Suspect in Custody?
As of the latest verified reports reviewed, the suspect remained at large.
Kentucky State Police and other law enforcement agencies continued searching for the individual connected to Trooper Phillips’ death.
Members of the public were advised not to attempt to confront the suspect or vehicle.
Anyone with relevant information should contact 911 or Kentucky State Police.
Investigation Into Trooper Hayden Phillips’ Death Continues
Authorities have not yet publicly released a complete account of what led to the shooting.
Investigators are expected to examine the events leading up to the encounter, evidence collected at the scene and information involving the suspect vehicle.
Further details may also clarify whether Trooper Phillips had initiated a traffic stop or encountered the suspect under other circumstances.
Until those facts are officially released, speculation about what triggered the shooting should be avoided.
Warren County Community Responds to Trooper’s Death
News of Trooper Phillips’ death has brought attention and condolences from across Kentucky as law enforcement agencies continue their search.
A line-of-duty death can have a significant impact on fellow officers, relatives and the wider communities served by the fallen trooper.
Additional memorial information and statements from Kentucky State Police may be released as Phillips’ family and colleagues mourn his death.
Developing Investigation
The Warren County shooting remains an active and developing investigation.
The most important confirmed details are that Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips was killed while patrolling Interstate 65, a Blue Alert was issued, and authorities are searching for a suspect linked to a bluish-gray Honda Civic with an Alabama temporary plate.
Further information about the shooting, the suspect and any eventual arrest is expected as Kentucky State Police continue the investigation.