BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Fighting back tears, Kentucky State Police Trooper Katan Parker remembered Trooper Hayden Phillips as a brother Monday evening, hours after Phillips was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Interstate 65 near Smiths Grove.

“You know, it’s a hard day for us. We lost a family member today,” Parker told reporters at Hillvue Heights Church in Bowling Green.

Phillips, 28, was fatally shot around 2 p.m. Monday in Warren County. The driver fled, setting off a search that ended with the suspect’s arrest in the Louisville area, authorities said.

About six hours after the shooting, Kentucky State Police held a news conference to share what they knew about the killing and the investigation. Officials offered few details about the events leading up to the shooting or how investigators tracked down the suspect.

What we know so far

Phillips stopped a vehicle on I-65 near Smiths Grove. He was shot during the encounter, and the driver fled the scene, authorities said.

The suspect, identified by KSP as Emonnie Branch, 51, of Portland, Tennessee, was later arrested in a Louisville-area neighborhood after an “exhaustive” search involving local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Louisville Metro Police’s tactical team used a grappler to stop Branch’s vehicle.

The device launches a net-like tether that wraps around a vehicle’s rear wheel or axle, preventing the wheels from turning and bringing the vehicle to a stop.

Branch was charged with murder of a first responder (peace officer), a capital offense in Kentucky when the killing meets specific legal requirements.

The charge can carry the death penalty, life imprisonment without parole or life imprisonment, depending on the circumstances and applicable sentencing provisions.

“I want you to know I only mention his name one time, and the reason why is because of his cowardly actions that he did today to Trooper Phillips,” KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said.

A witness driving past the scene reported the shooting to police, authorities said. The witness’s identity was not disclosed during Monday’s briefing.

KSP said Branch would be transported back to Warren County, likely Monday evening, though officials could not confirm the timing.

Officials did not answer several questions about the case, including what prompted the traffic stop, whether Branch was alone in the vehicle, his criminal history and why he traveled to Louisville. KSP also did not say whether investigators used traffic cameras, cellphone data or other technology to track him.

Phillips remembered by KSP leadership

Phillips is survived by his wife, Jordan Phillips; their children, Kasyn, Knox and Conner; and his parents, Robin and Homer Phillips.

Burnett said KSP would stand by the family and pursue justice in Phillips’ death.

“Please know we will seek justice for Hayden,” Burnett said. “We will not rest until this happens. Most importantly, the KSP family will be there for you every step of the way. You will not walk this path alone. I promise you that.”

Burnett asked Kentuckians to recognize the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and their families.

“A man, a husband, a father, a son, fellow trooper, colleague, lost his life today,” he said.

He praised Phillips’ dedication to his work and service to Kentucky.

“His dedication to duty and commitment to the Commonwealth will never be forgotten,” Burnett said. “Our hearts break for Trooper Phillips’ family, loved ones and fellow troopers as we grieve this tremendous loss.”

Parker said people had been stopping by Post 3 throughout Monday to drop off items in Phillips’ honor. He said the community’s support offered a measure of hope amid the tragedy.

“I believe I could speak for everybody at Post 3 when I say that Hayden was special. He was, and we’re going to miss him so much,” Parker said.

Other KSP personnel gathered during the news conference, some wiping away tears as Parker spoke. Post Commander Tim Adams stood nearby in pensive silence.

Phillips was set to turn 29 on Wednesday, according to his Facebook.