Christian County Mo deputies killed, suspect shot dead after manhunt
Two sheriff’s deputies were killed and two other officers were wounded during a traffic stop that set off a multijurisdictional manhunt in christian county mo. The search ended when law officers fatally shot the suspect, leaving communities and officials responding to a string of scenes from Highlandville to Reeds Spring.
Traffic stop near Highlandville escalated about 4 p. m. Monday
The initial shooting began south of Highlandville around 4 p. m. Monday during a traffic stop on State Highway 160 and Route HH, when the driver opened fire on deputies. Two deputies from the Christian County Sheriff’s Office died from gunshot wounds. Officials identified one of the deputies who was killed as Deputy Gabriel Ramirez, 30 years old; the second deputy killed has not been identified. Two other officers were wounded in separate exchanges — one wounded deputy is with Christian County and the other is with Webster County — and their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening and they are expected to recover.
Manhunt, abandoned truck and final confrontation near Reeds Spring
After the initial shooting, the driver’s vehicle was found abandoned and a manhunt began that involved about 100 officers, deputies and state troopers. Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole said the suspect, Richard Bird, ran into a wooded area. After hours of searching, a Highway Patrol helicopter noticed a moving heat signature near the roundabout on State Highway 160 near Reeds Spring. As deputies moved in, Bird started shooting and deputies returned fire; Bird was shot and killed by law officers.
Vehicle traced on U. S. 160; truck detailed and last seen southbound
The suspect vehicle was identified as a white 2001 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab pickup truck with Missouri license plate 9MGX36. The truck was described as having a silver brush guard, a rusted roof, black body trim, tinted rear windows and a three-ball hitch. The vehicle was last reported traveling southbound on U. S. Route 160 from Route HH in Christian County. U. S. 160 runs south through southern Missouri and crosses into north-central Arkansas east of Harrison. Officials urged anyone who saw the vehicle not to approach it and to call 911; no separate suspect description was released. The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued a Blue Alert while the search was underway; Blue Alerts are designed to quickly notify the public when a suspect is believed to have seriously injured or killed a law enforcement officer and may pose an ongoing threat.
Multiagency response and local officials' reactions in Christian County Mo
Roughly 100 officers, deputies and state troopers assisted in the manhunt, with federal involvement from the U. S. Marshals Service as well as agents with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe said he was in contact with Sheriff Brad Cole while the search was underway and asked people with information about the suspect to come forward. Stone County authorities were involved after the truck was found in their area; the Missouri State Highway Patrol alerted the public in Stone County, and the Stone County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed the suspect was dead.
Community and elected officials respond to the killings
Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader called it "probably the worst day in the history of the Christian County Sheriff's Office. " Sen. Josh Hawley said he and his family were praying for the deputy’s family and asked for swift justice. Sen. Eric Schmitt described the shooting as a "devastating loss in Christian County" and offered prayers for the deputy’s loved ones. Missouri State Representative Jamie Ray Gragg said his heart was broken for the deputy’s family, urged the community to pray for law enforcement working to find the suspect while grieving, and expressed hope the situation would end peacefully with no further bloodshed.
An update timestamp in coverage noted February 24, 2026, 8: 52 AM ET.
