A Missouri police officer and mother of six was killed early Sunday after losing control of her patrol vehicle during a high-speed pursuit, authorities said.
Police Chief Todd Davis said at a press conference that Officer Phylicia Carson, 33, of the Osage Beach Police Department was on patrol at approximately 1:18 a.m. when she spotted a vehicle speeding on westbound Highway 54.
Carson turned on his patrol car lights and tried to pull over the car, but Davis said the driver sped away.
Carson was pursuing a speeding vehicle when his patrol car skidded off the road, struck a tree and burst into flames. Davis said Carson died in the crash.
Dallas Police Chief says Officer Daron Burks 'executed' in targeted attack
Osage Beach Police Officer Phylicia Carson, 33, was killed during a high-speed pursuit early Sunday morning. (Osage Beach Police Department)
The speeding driver was involved in an accident minutes after being detained.
The suspect, later identified as 23-year-old Christopher Aaron Bishop Waymire, was charged with fleeing a motor vehicle stop or detention resulting in death.
Christopher Aaron Bishop Waymire, 23, has been charged in connection with the death of Osage Beach Police Officer Phylicia Carson. (Camden County Sheriff's Office)
He is being held in the Camden County Jail without bail, according to online jail records.
Davis said Carson leaves behind a husband and six children. She will begin her career as a police officer with the Osage Beach Police Department in June 2023.
Florida man stabbed off-duty officer trying to stop robbery, then stole police car: court documents
Missouri Governor Mike Parson wrote on social media that Carson's family and community were “in our prayers.”
“Officer Carson will not be forgotten,” Parson wrote.
Missouri Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe also wrote that he and his wife, Claudia, “extend our deepest condolences to Officer Carson's husband, six children and fellow officers.”
“We must not forget our law enforcement officers who bravely serve their communities despite the threats they face,” Kehoe wrote.
Click here to get the FOX News app
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash.
