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Frankfort Today
By the People, for the People
Former Kentucky Trooper Pleads Guilty to Assault After Body Cam Footage Release
KSP Commissioner says Trooper Kilbourne's actions were "unacceptable" and violated the "sacred duty of policing"
Mar. 22, 2026 at 7:25pm
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In a move towards transparency, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) has released body camera footage showing former Trooper Hayden Kilbourne using excessive force during a 2023 arrest. Kilbourne has since pleaded guilty to Assault 2nd Degree and Terroristic Threatening 3rd Degree for his conduct, which included making verbal threats and delivering multiple baton strikes to a compliant suspect. KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. condemned Kilbourne's actions as unacceptable and a violation of the "sacred duty of policing".
Why it matters
The release of the body cam footage and KSP's decisive actions in prosecuting and terminating Kilbourne demonstrate the agency's commitment to accountability and transparency in policing. This case highlights the importance of body cameras in providing objective evidence of officer conduct and holding law enforcement to high standards of professionalism and restraint.
The details
The incident occurred on July 28, 2023 during a pursuit of an armed and dangerous suspect in a stolen vehicle. The chase crossed four counties and two KSP post areas. Kilbourne made verbal threats to the suspect as he pursued him on foot into a wooded area. After deploying his taser and causing the suspect to fall, Kilbourne delivered multiple baton strikes to the suspect's arms and upper body while the individual appeared to be complying with orders.
- The pursuit began around 10:00 AM on July 28, 2023.
- Five days later, Commissioner Burnett initiated the process to dismiss Kilbourne following an administrative review.
- In August 2023, KSP launched a criminal investigation into the incident.
- In September 2023, Kilbourne was charged and arrested for his actions.
- From 2024 to 2026, while under felony indictment, Kilbourne was reassigned to the Office of Technical Services and performed no sworn duties.
- On January 13, 2026, Kilbourne officially resigned from the agency.
The players
Phillip Burnett, Jr.
The Kentucky State Police Commissioner who released the body camera footage and condemned the former trooper's actions as unacceptable.
Hayden Kilbourne
A former Kentucky State Trooper who pleaded guilty to Assault 2nd Degree and Terroristic Threatening 3rd Degree for his conduct during a 2023 arrest.
What they’re saying
“The video you are about to see is unacceptable. Former Trooper Kilbourne's actions were out of line and rightfully prosecuted.”
— Phillip Burnett, Jr., Kentucky State Police Commissioner
“Troopers have a duty to uphold the law in all ways.”
— Phillip Burnett, Jr., Kentucky State Police Commissioner
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Hayden Kilbourne out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of body cameras in providing objective evidence of officer conduct and holding law enforcement to high standards of professionalism and restraint. The KSP's swift action in prosecuting and terminating the former trooper demonstrates a commitment to accountability and transparency in policing.
