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
Milton Shooting Suspect Made Threats to Police and Posted Concerning Messages Online Prior to Ambush
Gunman took his life while barricaded inside home.
UPDATE: A gunman is dead and a veteran Milton Police officer is wounded this evening after public safety agencies responded to a structure fire on Main Street in Milton, officials said.
The gunman, identified as Aaron LaRoche, 38, of Milton is believed to have taken his own life about 11 p.m., about four hours after he ambushed Patrol Sgt. Paul Locke, officials said.
MILTON, VT — Authorities have identified the individual involved in Wednesday evening’s ambush shooting of a Milton police officer as Aaron LaRoche, a 38-year-old Milton resident with a documented history of mental health concerns and prior threats against law enforcement.
LaRoche is alleged to have opened fire on first responders during a public safety operation at a structure fire at 78 Main Street around 7:00 p.m.
The incident left Sergeant Paul Locke, a veteran of the Milton Police Department, wounded.
He was transported by Milton Rescue with a police escort to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he remains under medical care.
Initial reports indicate Sgt. Locke was shot from behind while wearing a bullet-resistant vest.
It is also believed that he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Authorities have described his injuries as serious but not life-threatening.
LaRoche, who remains barricaded inside the residence, is known to local law enforcement.
He has a documented history of erratic behavior and has been the subject of multiple online posts that raised red flags among community members and officers.
In the months leading up to the shooting, LaRoche had made several alarming posts on social media platforms, many of which directly tagged Milton Police Department and the Vermont State Police (VSP).
These posts included threats and references to hearing voices, claiming he was under mind control.
The content had been a growing concern for authorities and the public alike.
“This individual had been on our radar due to troubling and threatening behavior online,” a law enforcement official noted. “It’s tragic that those warnings have culminated in violence.”
Following the ambush, the Vermont State Police took command of the active scene.
Multiple agencies are assisting in the ongoing operation, including:
- VSP Major Crime Unit
- Bureau of Criminal Investigations
- Field Force Division
- Tactical Services Unit (SWAT)
- Bomb Squad
- Crisis Negotiation Unit
- Local, county, and federal partners
The situation remains contained to the immediate area around 78 Main Street.
Main Street remains closed between U.S. Route 7 and East/North Road, and officials have urged the public to avoid the area due to heavy police presence and ongoing tactical operations.
VSP’s Victim Services Unit is providing support to Sgt. Locke and his family during this difficult time.
No additional injuries have been reported, and authorities are working to bring the standoff to a peaceful conclusion.
The investigation into LaRoche’s past online behavior and threats is ongoing.
Law enforcement officials are also reviewing whether prior actions could have warranted intervention before the shooting took place.
The Vermont State Police will release more details as they become available.
Media inquiries should be directed to the VSP Public Information Office via email to avoid overwhelming emergency communication channels.