A police impersonator pulled over and fatally shot an off-duty officer Thursday, according to investigators.
Police impersonator James K. Decoursey stopped Hopkinsville police Officer Phillip Meacham, who was off-duty and in his personal vehicle, around 5 p.m., according to police.
A struggle ensued and Decoursey fatally shot Meacham, then stole a nearby pickup truck and fled to Tennessee. He was located in Clarksville Friday morning and when law enforcement officers tried to take him into custody, Decoursey was shot and killed, police said.
"Officers are never off duty," Hopkinsville Police Chief Clayton Sumner told The Leaf-Chronicle at a media conference Thursday night. "This is new to me. 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."
Meacham, 38, had worked 13 years in law enforcement. This was his first year with the Hopkinsville department, having spent his previous time working for the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.
He is survived by his wife and two children. A bank account was set up to help the family.
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