The incident began on Monday, May 17, 2021 when Adair County 911 received a call from Kentucky State Police of an impaired driver on KY55 north. A deputy was dispatched to the area and around 3:30amCT, Deputy Joey Keith located the suspect's vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. During the stop, the suspect fled just as the deputy approached the window. A pursuit Initiated that lasted over 20 minutes, coming into Columbia where Columbia Police joined in. The pursuit eventually crossed into Green County and at one point, visual was lost of the suspect after crossing through hay fields. The pursuit was then terminated.
Deputy Keith and the Sheriffs Office was able to identify the operator later in the day and warrants for his arrest were obtained. At approx 10:00pmCT on Monday night, deputies went to the residence in an attempt to serve the felony warrants and located the suspect, Adam Phipps of Columbia. Phipps was in the residence and refused to come out. He barricaded himself inside and was seen inside coming to windows with a rifle. Sheriff Josh Brockman and deputies began negotiating with Phipps for over 7 hours. The Kentucky State Police Special Response Team was contacted and was enroute to the scene when Phipps agreed to surrender himself to Sheriff Brockman if everyone would back away from the house. Shortly after all units backed off, Phipps removed the barricades from the doorway and walked out peacefully unarmed and was taken into custody.
Phipps was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail on charges of Fleeing & Evading Police, Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence, Wanton Endangerment 1st degree, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Deputy Joey Keith is continuing to investigate the incident.
