An investigation is currently taking place in Missouri following the tragic shooting of a deputy on Monday afternoon.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that an alert was issued after a Christian County deputy was shot just before 4 p.m. in Highlandville.
The vehicle linked to the suspect is described as a white 2001 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab pickup truck, with the Missouri license plate 9MGX36.
Authorities noted that this truck was spotted at the shooting scene and was last seen heading southbound on Route 160 from Highway HH in Christian County. This highway runs south through southern Missouri and connects with north-central Arkansas, east of Harrison.
Details about the truck include features like a silver brush guard, a rusted roof, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball hitch. However, many specifics surrounding the incident haven’t been disclosed yet.
Officials are urging anyone who sees the vehicle to refrain from approaching it and to contact 911 instead.
“A deputy was shot and killed in my home county today. Erin and I are praying for his family. May justice be served quickly,” stated Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri.
Sen. Eric Schmidt (R-Missouri) described the shooting as “a devastating loss for Christian County,” expressing sympathy for the deputy’s family and colleagues. He emphasized the ongoing efforts of local law enforcement to find the suspect.
Missouri state Rep. Jamie Ray Gragg also expressed his condolences on Facebook after the incident.
He mentioned how heartbreaking this situation is, acknowledging the risks that come with being in law enforcement, but noted how incomprehensible such a senseless act can be. He called upon the community to pray for the deputy’s family and for the officers working tirelessly to locate the suspect, hoping for a peaceful resolution without additional violence.
Blue Alerts are similar to Amber Alerts, intended to inform the public quickly in situations where a law enforcement officer has been seriously injured or killed and poses an ongoing threat.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has been contacted for further information regarding the incident.
