Missouri police chase convict for 9 hours; suspect, 2 deputies killed

A Missouri sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot at a traffic stop on Monday and another died early Tuesday morning during a shootout with the suspect.

Richard Dean Bird, 45, shot and killed Deputy Gabriel Ramirez from Christian County, 30, during a traffic stop south of Highlandville around 4 p.m. on Monday. The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued a Blue Alert, which led to a nine-hour manhunt involving around 100 officers to search for Bird, according to Fox4kc and KMBC 9 News.

Police found the suspect around 11:30 p.m. near Reeds Spring, where a shootout occurred. When police attempted to arrest Bird he started shooting at them, injuring two deputies and killing Deputy Michael Hislope, 40, who was trying to aid those injured.

Bird was eventually shot and killed at the scene.

Bird had a criminal history dating back to 1999 with a previous offense of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer with a weapon in 2014. The aggravated battery was initially an attempted first-degree murder charge, but it was later amended. His most recent crime was second-degree burglary earlier this month.

Sheriff Brad Cole posted a tribute on Facebook for the officers who gave their lives.

“These men answered the call to serve, putting the safety of others before their own, including serving our nation in the U.S. Army. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Christian County will never be forgotten.”

(Photos provided by Christian County Sheriff Department)