Kentucky State Police has released additional details on the chain of events on March 29 that led to the shooting death of Hopkinsville Police Officer Phillip Meacham.
Officer Meacham, off duty in his personal vehicle, observed another vehicle operating with flashing blue lights approach behind him in the area of Faulkner Drive just before 5 p.m. that afternoon, according to KSP. The vehicle with blue emergency lights was being operated by James Decoursey, who turned onto another street.
Officer Meacham was able to get back behind Decoursey, and contacted an on-duty supervisor, requesting a uniformed officer to assist in investigating the vehicle with flashing lights.
After Decoursey pulled onto Paulette Court, a dead end street, Officer Meacham remained nearby to ensure Decoursey did not leave.
At approximately 5:11 PM a uniformed officer met Officer Meacham before they approached Decoursey, who appeared to be working on his vehicle in a driveway. Decoursey allegedly shot Officer Meacham, after contact was made, then fled the scene. Officer Meacham was transported to Jennie Stuart Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
Decoursey stole a pickup and left the area, but was shot to death by officers on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard in Clarksville the following morning after he reportedly refused to obey commands and the situation escalated. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating that incident.
Hopkinsville Police Chief Clayton Sumner issued a statement Monday, thanking the community for the support it’s provided to the Meacham family and to officers since the incident.
