Crime
Russell County Deputy Joshua Phipps killed in the line of duty
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, and the community is mourning the loss of Deputy Phipps.
Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Phipps was tragically killed in the line of duty on Monday night, according to the Russell County Fiscal Court.
The incident occurred on Bluebird Drive in Russell County, involving a lone shooter.
Deputy Phipps was fatally shot while responding as backup during an active shooter incident. He was transported to Russell County Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
There is no ongoing threat to the public.
The region is mourning the loss of Russell County Deputy Josh Phipps, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on Monday. The city of Russell Springs was placed on lockdown following an active shooter situation.
While specific details about the incident are still being released, the Russell County Fiscal Court confirmed Deputy Phipps’ death around 9:40 PM. Phipps was originally from Adair County and the son of local residents Pam and Donnie Phipps.
Adair County Sheriff Josh Brockman traveled to Russell County to assist in the investigation and was among the officers who responded to Deputy Phipps’ aid.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, and the community is mourning the loss of Deputy Phipps.
The body of Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Phipps is being escorted to the medical examiner’s office in Frankfort.
Emergency personnel along the route have planned to show their respects to the fallen officer as the convoy passes through.
Messages of condolence and support have poured in from local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and the city of Russell Springs.
Attorney General Russell Coleman released the following statement tonight regarding Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Phipps:
“Tonight, Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Phipps ended his watch to his county and his Commonwealth. All Kentucky mourns his loss and honors his selfless sacrifice. Along with Deputy Phipps’ brothers and sisters in uniform across Kentucky and the nation, we send our prayers and condolences to his family and colleagues.”
“The full resources of the Office of the Attorney General and our Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are ready to support the Russell County Sheriff’s Office and this community during this tragic time.”
Crime
18-year-old Kyler Naely charged for the murder in shooting death of 16-year-old Ja’Tycie Williams
An 18-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged in a deadly shooting that occurred in October, which claimed the life of a 16-year-old and injured another.
The incident began on October 6, 2024, shortly after 12:45 a.m., when officers were called to a shooting on I-244 near Yale Avenue.
Upon arrival, they discovered a gray SUV riddled with bullet holes and shattered windows. Investigators determined that seven people were inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting.
Two occupants of the vehicle suffered gunshot wounds.
One victim, 16-year-old Ja’Tycie Williams, sustained critical injuries and succumbed to them several weeks later. The other victim suffered a minor gunshot wound to the arm and survived.
Preliminary investigations revealed the incident was linked to a fight at the Tulsa State Fair earlier that evening.
Witnesses reported that the altercation, which occurred as the group was leaving the fairgrounds, likely escalated into the highway shooting.
Following an in-depth investigation, Tulsa Police Homicide Detectives identified 18-year-old Kyler Naely as the suspect responsible for the shooting.
On November 19, 2024, Naely was arrested, charged with first-degree murder, and booked into the Tulsa County Jail.
Authorities emphasize that the case remains under investigation and are urging anyone with additional information to contact Tulsa Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS. Callers can remain anonymous.