RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The investigation continues into a tragic incident involving a Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy and a local man, which resulted in both their deaths. The incident unfolded on September 16, when Trooper Jake Smith attempted to pull over a vehicle in Russell Springs around 5:27 p.m., according to a Kentucky State Police release. The…
RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The investigation continues into a tragic incident involving a Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy and a local man, which resulted in both their deaths. The incident unfolded on September 16, when Trooper Jake Smith attempted to pull over a vehicle in Russell Springs around 5:27 p.m., according to a Kentucky State Police release.
The confrontation escalated after the driver, 41-year-old Joshua George Arnold, initially stopped but then sped away, leading to a short chase. Arnold eventually stopped behind a residence on Bluebird Drive, exited his vehicle, and fired several shots at Trooper Smith before fleeing on foot.
During the search, Russell County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Joshua Phipps entered a camper trailer where more shots were heard. According to the KSP release, both Arnold and Deputy Phipps were found critically injured inside the trailer and were rushed to a hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
The Kentucky State Police’s Critical Incident Response Team is still piecing together the details of the event, and further information will be provided as the investigation progresses.
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