Two Missouri Deputies Killed In Shootings; Suspect Also Dead
2 weeks ago
Two Missouri sheriff’s deputies were fatally shot — one during a traffic stop and another hours later in a shootout with the suspect, who was also killed, authorities said.
Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole said the initial shooting happened Monday during a traffic stop south of Highlandville in southwest Missouri.
The deputy killed in the initial shooting was identified as Gabriel Ramirez. Cole described Ramirez as kind and dependable, saying he “was always a friend” and someone people could lean on.
Roughly 100 officers, deputies and state troopers joined the search for the suspect. The effort also included agents from the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Authorities located the suspect’s abandoned truck several miles away near Reeds Spring and began searching nearby wooded areas. Early Tuesday, deputies approached a heat signature detected in the woods when the suspect opened fire, striking three deputies.
A second Christian County deputy was killed in the exchange. Two other deputies — from Christian and Webster counties — were wounded, but their injuries are not considered life-threatening.
Law enforcement officers returned fire, killing the suspect. The investigation remains ongoing.
Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole said the initial shooting happened Monday during a traffic stop south of Highlandville in southwest Missouri.
The deputy killed in the initial shooting was identified as Gabriel Ramirez. Cole described Ramirez as kind and dependable, saying he “was always a friend” and someone people could lean on.
Roughly 100 officers, deputies and state troopers joined the search for the suspect. The effort also included agents from the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Authorities located the suspect’s abandoned truck several miles away near Reeds Spring and began searching nearby wooded areas. Early Tuesday, deputies approached a heat signature detected in the woods when the suspect opened fire, striking three deputies.
A second Christian County deputy was killed in the exchange. Two other deputies — from Christian and Webster counties — were wounded, but their injuries are not considered life-threatening.
Law enforcement officers returned fire, killing the suspect. The investigation remains ongoing.
