STATEMENT RELEASE CRITTENDON COUNTY SHERIFF DEPUTY COYLE SHOT IN THE LINE OF DUTY

STATEMENT RELEASE

CRITTENDON COUNTY SHERIFF DEPUTY COYLE 

SHOT IN THE LINE OF DUTY

 Howell asks for prayers, applauds local law enforcement's quick response

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 3, 2026)—The following is a statement from Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, following a shooting on Thursday, April 2, where Crittenden County Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Coyle was critically injured.

“We should all join in thoughts and prayers for Crittenden County Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Coyle, who was critically injured in the line of duty last night.  Every time our law enforcement puts on their uniform and takes to our roads, streets, and highways they put themselves at great personal risk. 

“I applaud the quick reaction of the Kentucky State Police who were assisted at the scene by the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Police Department, Crittenden County EMS and Crittenden County Coroner’s Office.“

BACKGROUND

The preliminary Kentucky State Police investigation indicates that officers from the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office, along with staff from the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services, responded to 2807 KY-365 in Sturgis, Ky., to serve emergency guardianship paperwork. During the incident, gunfire was exchanged with the suspect, Ronnie Phillips, age 60, who was fatally wounded. Crittenden County Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Coyle was struck by gunfire from the suspect, airlifted to the hospital, and remains in critical condition at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. A female victim was safely removed from the residence. No other injuries were reported.

KSP was assisted at the scene by the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Police Department, Crittenden County EMS and Crittenden County Coroner’s Office. The investigation remains ongoing. 

KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the commonwealth as requested by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation. To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, it is KSP’s standard operating procedure not to release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts gathered. Timelines for completing investigations vary depending on the complexity of the case.