The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team continues to investigate an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the deaths of a Russell County deputy and a suspect.
The incident took place in Russell Springs on September 16 at approximately 5:30.
The preliminary findings indicate that Trooper Jake Smith, from KSP Post 15 in Columbia, attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the Russell Springs community. Initially, the subject’s vehicle came to a stop, but during the interaction, the subject fled the stop, resulting in a pursuit, state police said.
Smith pursued the vehicle for a short distance until it stopped behind a residence on Bluebird Drive.
The driver of the vehicle, later identified as 41-year-old Joshua George Arnold, immediately exited the vehicle and fired a handgun multiple times in the direction of Smith before fleeing on foot.
Multiple officers responded to the scene to assist, including Russell County Deputy Joshua Phipps, 38.
While officers searched the area for Arnold, 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 Arnold and Phipps had both suffered life-threatening injuries from gunshot wounds,” according to state police.
Both Phipps and Arnold were later pronounced deceased at Russell County Hospital.
The preliminary findings are subject to change as KSP Critical Incident Response Team investigators continue the investigation.
(Headline photo: Russell Co. Deputy Josh Phipps)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
