STURGIS, KY – A fatal officer-involved shooting in Crittenden County is under investigation after an exchange of gunfire left a local man dead and a deputy injured Thursday evening.
According to Kentucky State Police, the Critical Incident Response Team was requested Friday to investigate a shooting that allegedly occurred around 5 p.m. Thursday at a residence along KY-365 in Sturgis. Authorities say deputies with the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office, along with community services personnel, were serving emergency guardianship paperwork when the situation escalated.
Preliminary findings indicate that gunfire was allegedly exchanged between deputies and 60-year-old Ronnie Phillips. Phillips was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say Crittenden County Deputy Rick Coyle was allegedly struck by gunfire during the encounter and was airlifted to a hospital in Evansville, Indiana, where he remains in critical condition.
Officials confirmed a woman inside the home was safely removed, and no other injuries were reported.
Multiple agencies responded to assist at the scene, including the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Police Department, Crittenden County EMS, and the county coroner’s office.
State police say the investigation remains ongoing and is being handled in accordance with standard procedures for officer-involved shootings. Authorities noted such incidents are investigated at the request of local, state, or federal agencies to ensure transparency while maintaining investigative integrity.
Further details, including the number of officers involved and additional circumstances surrounding the shooting, have not yet been released as investigators continue to gather facts and conduct interviews.
Updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
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