05/02/2026
Mike Jansen for Campbell County Sheriff, the CEO of NKY SWAT is saddened to learn of the passing of Crittenden County Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Coyle, who died from injuries sustained in the line of duty on April 2, 2026.
Deputy Rick Coyle, a Chicago native and former leader on the Chicago Police Department SWAT Team, served with the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office and as a school resource officer for Crittenden County Schools. He moved to Kentucky with his wife in 2019 after retiring from the CPD, where he had a distinguished career including over 2,000 SWAT-related missions and leadership roles mentoring other officers.
Shooting Incident: On April 2, 2026, around 5 p.m., Deputy Coyle and other Crittenden County deputies, along with staff from the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services, went to a home on KY-365 near Sturgis to serve emergency guardianship paperwork. During the encounter, gunfire was exchanged with 60-year-old Ronnie Phillips, who was fatally wounded at the scene. Deputy Coyle was struck by gunfire, including a head wound and a bullet that hit his vest, and was airlifted to Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, where he remained in critical condition. On April 30th, Deputy Coyle died from injuries sustained in the line of duty on April 2, 2026.
A woman present in the home was safely removed, and no other injuries were reported. The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team is leading the investigation, with assistance from multiple local law enforcement agencies.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Coyle’s family, friends, and the members of the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office during this difficult time. We honor his service, sacrifice, and commitment to his community.
Authority:
Captain Eric T. Nelson, Deputy Director of NKY SWAT