KSP releases new details on incident that killed Russell County Deputy Josh Phipps

RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. (WKYT) – Kentucky State Police have released new details about the incident that left Deputy Josh Phipps dead.

Russell County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Phipps, 38, was killed in the line of duty on September 16.

According to preliminary findings from KSP's investigation, Trooper Jake Smith attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the community of Russell Springs on September 16. During the interaction, the vehicle involved accelerated away from the stop, resulting in a pursuit.

Trooper Smith pursued the vehicle for a short distance until it stopped behind a home on Bluebird Drive. According to KSP, the driver of the vehicle, later identified as 41-year-old Joshua Arnold, immediately got out and fired a handgun several times in Smith's direction. Arnold then fled on foot.

Several officers arrived at the scene to assist, including Deputy Joshua Phipps of the Russell County Sheriff's Office.

While officers were searching the area for Arnold, Deputy Phipps entered a trailer.

Moments later, officers on scene heard several shots coming from inside the trailer.

When police arrived at the trailer, they found that Arnold and Deputy Phipps both suffered life-threatening injuries from gunshot wounds.

Deputy Phipps and Arnold were rescued from the RV and taken to a nearby hospital where both were pronounced dead.

MORE

• Vigil for fallen deputy in Russell County
• For context | CIRT investigates death of Russell Co. deputy

According to KSP, preliminary findings may change as CIRT investigators continue their ongoing investigation.

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