A Webster County deputy was among the officers injured during an overnight manhunt that followed the fatal shooting of two Christian County deputies, authorities confirmed Tuesday morning.
The violent series of events began Monday afternoon and ended hours later in Stone County with the death of the suspect, identified as Richard Bird, who was shot and killed by law enforcement after reportedly opening fire on officers.
According to Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole, the initial shooting occurred around 4 p.m. Monday during a traffic stop near Highway 160 and Route HH south of Highlandville. During that encounter, two Christian County deputies were fatally shot.
Authorities say Bird fled the scene, prompting a large-scale manhunt involving local, state and federal agencies from across the Ozarks.
Law enforcement later recovered Bird’s abandoned pickup truck near Reeds Spring in Stone County. Investigators believe Bird fled into a wooded area after leaving the vehicle.
Sheriff Cole said a Missouri State Highway Patrol helicopter assisting in the search detected a moving heat signature in the woods during the early morning hours Tuesday. As deputies moved toward the location, Bird allegedly began firing at officers. Deputies returned fire, striking and killing him.
In addition to the two deputies killed, one Christian County deputy and one Webster County deputy were wounded during the search. Authorities have stated that the injuries to the surviving deputies are not believed to be life-threatening.
Officials have identified one of the fallen deputies as Deputy Gabriel Ramirez, 30. The second deputy killed had not yet been publicly identified as of press time pending notification of family.
Sheriff Cole said approximately 100 officers participated in the coordinated search effort. Agencies assisting included the Missouri State Highway Patrol, U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, ATF and multiple local departments.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is expected to lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Flags across the region were lowered as word of the deputies’ deaths spread through the community Tuesday morning.
This remains an active and developing investigation. The Marshfield Mail will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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