The thin blue line is even thinner today after a man shot and killed a Christian County deputy in southwest Missouri.
The Stone County Sheriff’s Office has released a photo of the suspected shooter – Richard Dean Bird. A Blue Alert was activated Monday afternoon to let the public know that Bird, 45, fled the scene after allegedly killing the officer in Highlandville.
Stone County is helping Christian County in the investigation. In a Facebook post, the county said the suspect vehicle was found but the alleged shooter was not.
The identity of the officer killed in the line of duty has not been released at the time of this post.
Law enforcement urges the public not to approach Bird and instead call 911 if he is seen.
During the Missouri House’s session on Monday, state Representative Jamie Gragg, R-Ozark, said the shooting happened during a routine traffic stop.
“I know a lot of our deputies in Christian County. We have some very good people down there. And I’m sure none of their families knew they wouldn’t come back home tonight,” said Gragg.
Meanwhile, state Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, said he hopes that justice will prevail.
“I can only imagine what the family is going through right now, having a loved one who was working to keep our community safe in the 29th district, lost their life,” Moon said during Monday’s Senate session.
This story will be updated as the search continues for the suspect.
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