A Russell County deputy has died in the line of duty.
At approximately 5:15 p.m. on Monday, Deputy Josh Phipps, 38, a three-year veteran of the Russell Co. Sheriff’s Office, was on Bluebird Drive in Russell Springs assisting Kentucky State Police and other Russell County deputies looking for a suspect that fled on foot, according to Russell County Sheriff Derek Polston.
When police located the suspect, gunfire was exchanged, with Phipps and the suspect both suffering gunshot wounds, Polston said. Phipps was transported to Russell County Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was transported the hospital where he also died.
“Deputy Josh Phipps died a hero, doing what he liked, Protecting and Serving Russell County” Polston wrote in a post on social media.
The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team is leading the investigation.
Phipps, according to Officer Down Memorial Page, served with the Louisville Metro Police Department prior to joining the Russell County Sheriff’s Office.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
