Two deputies from the Christian County Sheriff’s Office were killed and two others injured in a series of gunfire that began with a traffic check on Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning, according to CBS affiliate KOLR.
Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole reported that Deputy Gabriel Ramirez was killed during the initial traffic stop. A second deputy was shot and died later, as law enforcement tracked down the suspect, Richard Dean Bird, following an overnight manhunt.
A third deputy was shot and transported to the hospital. Authorities have not provided an update on the deputy’s condition. A Webster County deputy was shot many times but is expected to recover.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued a Blue Alert following the shootings. The suspect’s vehicle was later discovered abandoned, and law officials declared the manhunt over.
Authorities have not disclosed any additional information regarding what led to the shootings, and an investigation is ongoing.