Officer Phillip Meacham

At approximately 5:10 p.m., Officer Meacham was overtaken in his personal car by another vehicle with flashing blue and red lights. Being aware of recent reports of someone in the area impersonating a police officer, Officer Meacham followed the vehicle into a nearby neighborhood, called for back-up and waited down the street from where the vehicle stopped. When the on-duty unit arrived, Officer Meacham and the on-duty officer proceeded to the residence where the vehicle was located.

Officer Meacham displayed his badge and ID and approached the vehicle with the uniformed officer. As they did, the suspect opened fire fatally wounding Officer Meacham.

The suspect then fled on foot and stole a vehicle. He was located several hours later in Clarksville, Tennessee. As officers approached, he drew his weapon and was shot and killed by officers.

Prior to joining the Hopkinsville Police Department, Officer Meacham served as a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff's Department for 12 years.