A sexual assault investigation in Scioto County early Tuesday morning escalated into a multi-state law enforcement search that ended hours later with the suspect’s death in southwest Virginia.
According to the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called after a woman reported a sexual assault. By the time officers arrived, the suspect had fled the scene and was believed to be armed with multiple firearms.
The victim was advised to seek medical care, while deputies immediately began working to locate the suspect. Investigators used emergency phone-tracking measures due to the seriousness of the allegations and concern for public safety.
The suspect’s phone was first traced across the Ohio River into Kentucky. As the situation developed, Scioto County issued interstate BOLOs (Be On the Lookout alerts) to agencies in Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, and North Carolina after tracking indicated the suspect was continuing south.
Pursuit Ends in Virginia
Just before 4 a.m., authorities in Wise County, Virginia, notified Scioto County that they had located the suspect.
The Wise County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies spotted the vehicle traveling southbound on U.S. Route 23 and attempted a traffic stop after observing a traffic violation. The driver did not stop, leading to a pursuit.
Law enforcement deployed spike strips near the entrance of Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap, disabling the vehicle. Shortly after the car came to rest, deputies heard a gunshot.
The suspect—identified by Virginia authorities as 47-year-old Kenneth Phillips—was found inside the vehicle with a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered from the car. No officers were injured during the incident.
Agencies assisting on scene included the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, Norton Police Department, Wise Police Department, and Big Stone Gap Police.
Virginia officials confirmed Phillips had been wanted in connection with the Scioto County sexual assault investigation and was believed to be armed and possibly suicidal.
Investigation Continues
The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details about the alleged assault, to protect the privacy of the victim.
While the suspect is deceased, authorities say the case remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence and completing reports related to the initial incident in Ohio.