An officer was shot and killed in Christian County, Kentucky Thursday by a man impersonating an officer.
Hopkinsville Police Officer Phillip Meacham was off-duty at the time of the shooting.
Hopkinsville Police officials said the suspect, 35-year-old James Kenneth Decoursey, attempted to pull over a driver. That driver was Meacham. Shortly after Decoursey initiated the fake traffic stop, that's when he allegedly shot the officer.
Officer Meacham was transported to the hospital where he later died.
There is no greater sacrifice than that of a person willing to lay down their life for another...Thank God for the #ThinBlueLine
— Governor Matt Bevin (@GovMattBevin) March 29, 2018
Officials said Decoursey fled the scene and stole a 1997 white Chevrolet pickup truck with Kentucky plates 2070GH.He was later shot and killed in Clarksville.
Decoursey has an extensive criminal history, including several felony charges.
Meacham had been with the department since May 2017. Before that, he worked with the Christian County Sheriff's Office for about 12 years.
He leaves behind a wife and one child. Mayor Carter Hendricks said flags will be flown at half-staff in his honor.
Pray for healing.
Pray for peace.
Pray for our brother.
Pray for his family.
Pray for Hopkinsville Police.
Pray the suspect is caught and brought to justice.Our community has been rocked by the unspeakable. #thinblueline#officerdown#HPD ⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️🔵🔵⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️
— Christian Co Sheriff (@CCSODeputies) March 30, 2018
