US Edition2 Missouri sheriff’s deputies fatally shot, 2 others wounded, authorities say
Suspect Richard Dean Bird, with a lengthy criminal history, killed two deputies and wounded two others during a traffic stop and manhunt in southwest Missouri, officials said.
- On Feb. 24, 2026, law enforcement said a shootout near the State Highway 160 roundabout by Reeds Spring killed Richard Dean Bird, 45, and two Christian County deputies.
- A traffic stop Monday afternoon south of Highlandville around 4 p.m. preceded a 4:35 p.m. Blue Alert and discovery of an abandoned pickup truck near Reeds Springs.
- A Missouri State Highway Patrol helicopter and drones with heat-sensing technology detected a moving heat signature, while around 100 officers, deputies, and state troopers used an armored vehicle to stop the suspect.
- In the immediate aftermath, Christian County deputy wounded and Webster County Deputy Austin McCall are in stable condition at Springfield hospital, and the MSHP canceled the Blue Alert about 1 a.m.
- Authorities say a warrant was served Saturday, and Sheriff Brad Cole acknowledged Bird's many prior arrests but has not reviewed his full record amid the ongoing response.
64 Articles
64 Articles
Two Missouri deputies killed hours apart by fleeing suspect who was released days earlier from jail
Two Missouri deputies were killed after a career criminal gunman Richard Bird opened fire on officers during a traffic stop, and again during a chaotic manhunt — where the suspect was also shot and killed, according to authorities.
Dnevni list Danas
n1info.rsTwo Missouri sheriff's deputies were fatally shot - one during a traffic stop and the other hours later during a shootout with a suspect, the AP reported, citing local authorities.
Manhunt ends: Two deputies killed, two injured, suspect dead
HIGHLANDVILLE, Mo. — Two Christian County deputies were killed, and two others were wounded, Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning in Highlandville and near Reeds Spring. The suspect, Richard Dean Bird, was killed by law enforcement after an hours-long and deadly manhunt, according to Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole. This started Monday afternoon when Deputy Gabriel [...]
Christian County Sheriff’s Office mourns the loss of 2 deputies killed in the line of duty; identities revealed
Two Christian County Sheriff’s deputies died in the line of duty on Monday and Tuesday after a traffic stop south of Highlandville triggered a manhunt that ended in a shootout near Reeds Spring.
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