Authorities stated on Tuesday that two deputy law enforcement officers in Missouri were fatally shot, with one being gunned down by a suspect during a traffic stop on Monday, and the other killed in a shootout during a search operation with the suspect on Tuesday, who was later shot dead.
According to media reports, Brad Cole, the Sheriff of Christian County, Missouri, mentioned that the shooting incident initially occurred on Monday during a traffic stop south of Highlandville in southwestern Missouri, where the suspect fatally shot a law enforcement officer before fleeing in a vehicle.
Cole mentioned that following the shooting, about 100 officers, deputies, and state troopers participated in an overnight manhunt for the suspect, with agents from the US Marshals, FBI, and ATF joining in the large-scale operation.
The abandoned truck driven by the suspect was soon found several miles south of Reeds Spring, a white 2001 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab pickup truck with Missouri license plate 9MGX36.
Law enforcement officers then conducted searches in the nearby areas.
On Tuesday morning, officers gradually approached a heat source detected in the woods, where the suspect opened fire, resulting in three officers being shot.
Cole confirmed that of the three officers shot, one from Christian County succumbed to their injuries, while the other two officers, one from Christian County and one from Webster County, sustained injuries but were not in life-threatening condition.
In response, law enforcement officers engaged the suspect and successfully neutralized him.
Cole identified the officer who lost their life in the initial shooting as Gabriel Ramirez, 30 years old, a patrol officer who began his duties after graduating from Drury Academy in July 2025.
Described as friendly to everyone, Cole expressed that Ramirez was always willing to help those in need and was a true friend.
The second officer from Christian County who tragically lost his life was identified as Michael Hislope, 40 years old, who had been working at the Christian County Sheriff’s Office since October 2019.
The suspect was Richard Dean Bird, 45 years old, with further details yet to be disclosed by the authorities.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe remarked, “We must remember that these two law enforcement officers made sacrifices to protect the safety of our community,” as he and his wife extended prayers for the families of the fallen and injured officers.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine L. Hanaway pledged firm support for the heroic officers who risk their lives daily to safeguard the state.
Before the second officer’s tragic loss, several other state leaders also expressed condolences for Ramirez’s sacrifice.
Federal Senator Josh Hawley of the Republican Party in Missouri conveyed in a statement to Fox News, “Today, an officer in my county was shot and killed. My wife and I are praying for his family, and we pray for justice to be served.”
Federal Senator Eric Schmitt, also a Republican from Missouri, described the incident as a “devastating loss for Christian County” and offered heartfelt prayers to the officer’s family and those who stand in defense of Missouri’s safety.
State Representative Jamie Ray Gragg shared on Facebook, “My heart breaks for the families of our officers who understand the risks that come with this profession.”
(This article references reports from the Associated Press and Fox News)