NEAR HIGHLANDVILLE, Mo. – A tragic series of events in Christian County has left two deputies dead and two others injured following a manhunt for a suspect. The search culminated in the death of the suspect, Richard Bird, who was shot and killed by law enforcement officers.
Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole reported that the incident unfolded early Tuesday morning, prompting a large-scale response from law enforcement agencies across the Ozarks. The manhunt began after Bird’s vehicle was discovered abandoned. Bird fled into a wooded area, leading to hours of searching that involved around 100 officers, deputies, and state troopers, along with assistance from U.S. Marshals, FBI, and ATF agents.
The confrontation began Monday afternoon during a traffic stop on State Highway 160 at Route HH, where Deputy Gabriel Ramirez, aged 30, was killed. The identities of the second deputy who perished, as well as the two wounded, have not yet been disclosed. Fortunately, the injuries sustained by the two wounded deputies are not believed to be life-threatening.
The situation escalated when a Highway Patrol helicopter detected movement in the woods. As deputies approached, Bird opened fire, resulting in a gunfight in which he was ultimately killed.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face daily while serving and protecting their communities. The collaborative effort by multiple agencies underscores the commitment of law enforcement to ensure public safety, even in the face of significant risks.