Former Chicago police officer shot, killed in line of duty in Kentucky

A Kentucky sheriff’s deputy and former Chicago police officer died weeks after being wounded while responding to a call in western Kentucky.

Deputy Rick Coyle of the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office died Thursday at home, surrounded by family, of injuries incurred in a line-of-duty shooting on April 2, officials said.

Coyle, a school resource officer at Crittenden County High School, was taken to a hospital in Evansville, Indiana, after being shot while responding to a residence in Sturgis. According to authorities, a suspect opened fire while deputies and social services officials were attempting to serve emergency guardianship documents.

According to investigators, officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect, 60-year-old Ronnie Phillips, who was fatally shot on scene. A woman inside the house was safely removed, and no further injuries were recorded.

Coyle has been with the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office for two years after a 28-year stint with the Chicago Police Department.

Officials praised Coyle as a dedicated public servant who will be laid to rest with full line-of-duty honors. The funeral arrangements have not yet been revealed.

The Kentucky State Police are handling the investigation into the incident, which is still underway.