Kentucky State Police Investigating Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting in Crittenden County
A Crittenden County sheriff’s deputy is in critical condition and a suspect is dead following an officer-involved shooting in Sturgis, Kentucky. The incident occurred on Thursday, April 2, 2026, during an attempt to serve legal documents, prompting a full-scale investigation by the Kentucky State Police (KSP).
Details of the Sturgis Shooting
The confrontation took place around 5 p.m. CDT on April 2 at a residence located at 2807 KY-365 in Sturgis, Ky. Officers from the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office, accompanied by staff from the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services, had responded to the home to serve emergency guardianship paperwork.
According to preliminary reports from the Kentucky State Police, gunfire was exchanged during the encounter. A female victim was safely removed from the home during the incident and no other injuries were reported.
Casualties and Injuries
The exchange of gunfire resulted in two casualties:
- Ronnie Phillips: The 60-year-old suspect was fatally wounded during the encounter.
- Deputy Rick Coyle: A deputy with the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office was struck by gunfire from the suspect. Coyle was airlifted to Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, where he remains in critical condition.
Ongoing Investigation by KSP CIRT
Following the incident, KSP Post 2 in Madisonville requested the assistance of the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). The CIRT is a specialized unit that investigates officer-involved shootings across the commonwealth to ensure transparency and integrity.
The KSP investigation is currently ongoing. Per standard operating procedure, the agency does not release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and all pertinent facts are gathered. The investigation received assistance from several local agencies, including:
- Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office
- Livingston County Sheriff’s Office
- Union County Sheriff’s Office
- Marion Police Department
- Crittenden County EMS and Coroner’s Office
Key Takeaways
- Event: Officer-involved shooting during the service of emergency guardianship paperwork.
- Date/Time: Thursday, April 2, 2026, at approximately 5 p.m. CDT.
- Location: 2807 KY-365, Sturgis, Kentucky.
- Outcome: Suspect Ronnie Phillips (60) killed; Deputy Rick Coyle critically injured.
- Lead Agency: Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is investigating the shooting?
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is leading the investigation after being requested by KSP Post 2 Madisonville.
Why were officers at the residence?
Deputies and staff from the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services were at the home to serve emergency guardianship paperwork.
What is the current condition of Deputy Rick Coyle?
Deputy Coyle remains in critical condition at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.
Law enforcement agencies across western Kentucky have asked the public to keep Deputy Coyle’s family and the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office in their prayers as the investigation continues.