A Kentucky off-duty police officer was shot and killed Thursday, and the suspected gunman was killed several hours later by authorities in Tennessee, WFIE reported.

The Hopkinsville Police Department said that officer Phillip Meacham, 38, was pulled over by a man impersonating a police officer. The man shot Meacham, who was taken to a hospital where he died, police said.

A Facebook post by the Logan County Sheriff's Office confirmed early Friday that the alleged shooter, James Kennith Decoursey, was killed by authorities in Clarksville, Tennessee.

The Kentucky New Era reported that Meachem was the first law enforcement officer killed in Christian County since 1987. He was a 14-year veteran in law enforcement and leaves behind a wife and two children, WFIE reported.

During a news conference Thursday, Hopkinsville Police Chief Clayton Sumner asked for prayers for Meacham’s family. Kentucky New Era reported.

“This is new to me,” Sumner said. “I don’t know how to do this. I don’t know what I’m supposed to say. I just ask for everybody’s support.”

About the Author

Keep Reading

A Korean Air plane takes off from Incheon International Airport in South Korea on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. The plane is chartered to bring back Korean workers detained in an immigration raid in Georgia. (Yonhap via AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com