Russell County deputy sheriff killed in police-involved shooting, investigation ongoing

RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A tragic police-involved shooting in Russell County Monday night left Deputy Josh Phipps, a three-year veteran of the Russell County Sheriff's Office, dead. The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team is leading the investigation into the incident, which occurred around 5:27 p.m. CDT Monday on Bluebird Drive in Russell Springs.

According to a KSP press release, officers from KSP Post 15 and the Russell County Sheriff's Office were conducting an investigation when the shooting occurred. Deputy Phipps sustained life-threatening injuries in the altercation and was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A male suspect involved in the incident was also transported to the hospital and is now presumed dead.

In the press release, KSP announced the tragic death of Deputy Phipps, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his condolences on social media. “Tragic news for our state as a Russell County Deputy was killed in the line of duty last night,” Beshear said. “Britainy and I ask all of Kentucky to join us in praying for his family, his colleagues and the entire Russell County community.”

KSP is responsible for investigating officer-involved shootings across the state at the request of law enforcement. As part of standard procedures, KSP will not release further details until all relevant witnesses have been interviewed and the investigation is complete.

The Russell County School District canceled classes for Tuesday due to the incident. In a social media post, school superintendent Michael Ford said counselors would be available at each school in the district during regular school hours for families or students who need support.

Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas also released a statement on social media expressing the community's grief: “Our community suffered a great loss tonight. I ask that you please think of and pray for our city, our county, and all of our first responders during this difficult time. Please also comfort the men and women of the Russell County Sheriff's Office, as well as the family and friends of the deceased officer. This tragedy has devastated us all, but together we will find strength and comfort. Let us stand united as a community and support one another in the days ahead.”

The investigation into the circumstances of the shooting is ongoing and no further details have been released.