Kentucky State Police has released an updated statement on last week’s officer-involved shooting.
State Police say Trooper Jake Smith attempted a traffic stop on 41-year-old Joshua George Arnold of Russell Springs just before 5:30 on Monday, Sept. 16.
Arnold initially came to a stop, but at some point in the interaction, Arnold fled and a pursuit began. Arnold eventually stopped behind a residence on Bluebird Drive, and when he exited the vehicle, he fired a handgun multiple times in the direction of Smith.
Arnold reportedy fled on foot after firing the shots, and other officers came into assist. Russell County Deputy Josh Phipps was one of those officers, and Phipps reportedly entered a camper trailer on Bluebird Drive.
Moments later, the state police report says officers heard multiple gunshots fired from inside the trailer. Troopers responded to the camper trailer and found Arnold and Phipps had both suffered life-threatening injuries from gunshot wounds.
Phipps and Arnold were removed from the camper and transported to Russell County Hospital, where both were pronounced deceased.
State Police say these preliminary findings are subject to change as investigators continue this ongoing investigation.
