We’re learning more about the suspect in Monday’s shooting that resulted in the death of Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Phipps.
41-year-old Joshua Arnold was arrested by state police earlier this year following a traffic stop on Highway 76.
According to an arrest report, a trooper pulled over a car in which Arnold was a passenger after he noticed the vehicle swerving in its lane and crossing the center line.
After pulling the vehicle over, the report states Arnold was very jittery and a K-9 was called in to detect possible drugs in the car. The report said the officer discovered marijuana and multiple pills inside the car, and the trooper stated that Arnold tried to escape while he was detained.
During a struggle, officers discovered another pill that Arnold was trying to hide.
He was charged by state police with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking in a controlled substance third degree, and possession of a controlled substance first degree, along with charges of resisting arrest, menacing, and tampering with physical evidence.
We’re told that Arnold posted a $5,000 cash bond to get out of jail after the arrest, but failed to appear in court on the charges on February 12. A bench warrant was issued in this case with no bond.
Arnold was also indicted by a Russell County grand jury in January, which stemmed from an incident that occurred last September. Arnold was indicted on charges of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, alcohol intoxication, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and being a persistent felony offender.
Those indictment charges came from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife. The indictment was handed down on January 30, but we’re told Arnold was never served with the Circuit Court warrant.
Arnold had one more outstanding bench warrant that was issued in March for not appearing in court on a charge of driving on a suspended license.
