RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2024) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team continues to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred on September 16, 2024 at approximately 5:27 p.m. CDT in Russell County. Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that Trooper Jake Smith from Post 15, Columbia, attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the Russell Springs community. Initially, the subject vehicle came to a stop, but during the interaction, the subject vehicle accelerated away from the stop resulting in a vehicle pursuit.
Trooper Smith pursued the vehicle for a short distance until the vehicle stopped behind a residence on Bluebird Drive. The operator of the vehicle, later identified as Joshua George Arnold, a 41-year-old male, immediately exited the vehicle and fired a handgun multiple times in the direction of Trooper Smith. Mr. Arnold then fled on foot and his exact location was unknown. Multiple officers responded to the scene to assist, including Russell County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) Deputy Joshua Phipps. While officers searched the area for Mr. Arnold, Deputy Phipps entered a camper trailer. Moments later, officers on scene heard multiple gunshots fired from inside the trailer. Troopers responded to the camper trailer and observed Mr. Arnold and Deputy Phipps had both suffered life-threatening injuries from gunshot wounds. Deputy Phipps and Mr. Arnold were removed from the camper and transported to a local hospital, where both were pronounced deceased.
These preliminary findings are subject to change as CIRT investigators continue this ongoing investigation.
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 to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case.
*Original Release Below*
RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2024) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team has been requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred on September 16, 2024 at approximately 5:27 p.m. CDT in Russell County.
KSP Post 15 and the Russell County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) were conducting an investigation on Bluebird Drive in the city limits of Russell Springs, which resulted in an officer-involved shooting incident. A male subject was transported to the hospital and has since been pronounced deceased. KSP detectives and CIRT responded and the investigation into incident remains ongoing.
RCSO Deputy Josh Phipps, a 3-year veteran of the agency, sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident, and has been pronounced deceased.
“Tragic news for our commonwealth as a Russell County deputy was killed in the line of duty last night,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Britainy and I ask all of Kentucky to join us in praying for his family, fellow law enforcement officers and the entire Russell County community.”
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 to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case.
(Sherry Bray – Kentucky State Police)