Kentucky sheriff’s deputy killed in shootout while searching for suspect

From Karla Ward and Taylor Six

source Lexington Herald-Leader

A Russell County Sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed Monday night while searching for a suspect.

Deputy Sheriff Joshua Phipps helped Kentucky State Police and other agencies search for the suspect on foot on Bluebird Drive around 5:30 p.m. When they found him, gunfire erupted and Phipps was shot, authorities said.

Phipps later died at Russell County Hospital in Russell Springs. The suspect also died in the shooting.

“Deputy Josh Phipps died a hero doing what he set out to do: protect and serve Russell County,” Sheriff Derek Polston wrote in a social media post early Tuesday.

Polston asked for prayers for Phipps’ family and friends, as well as for the sheriff’s office and its employees. Phipps has been with the department for three years.

He said a number of other police agencies had been in touch and offered help and assistance in covering the calls.

Condolences poured in from across the state.

Governor Andy Beshear issued a statement on social media platform X, saying: “Tragic news for our state: Last night, a Russell County deputy was killed in the line of duty. Britainy and I ask all of Kentucky to join us in praying for his family, his colleagues and the entire Russell County community.”

Attorney General Russell Coleman promised to use “the full resources” of his office and the local criminal investigation department.

“This evening, Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Phipps completed his service to his county and Commonwealth,” Coleman said in a statement. “All of Kentucky mourns his loss and honors his selfless sacrifice. We join Deputy Phipps’ brothers and sisters in uniform across Kentucky and across the country in sending our prayers and condolences to his family and colleagues.”

The Russell County Fiscal Court announced Phipps’ death in a post that said, “Our deepest prayers for comfort and peace are for his family and our community. Additional prayers go out to all law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to ensure our safety and freedom.”

Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas said, “Our community suffered a great loss tonight,” and asked for thoughts and prayers for “our city, our county and all of our first responders,” as well as the sheriff’s office and the officer’s family and friends.

“This tragedy has shaken us all, but together we will find strength and comfort,” Thomas wrote in a Facebook post. “Let us stand united as a community and support one another in the days ahead.”

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