Christian County, Missouri – Two deputies were killed and two wounded during a Blue Alert shooting investigation Monday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole, 45-year-old Richard Dean Bird allegedly shot and killed Deputy Gabriel Ramirez, 30, prompting a Blue Alert around 4 p.m. Monday.
Authorities said Bird’s abandoned truck was later found near Reeds Spring, leading to a nine-hour manhunt. Around 11:30 p.m., deputies located Bird in a wooded area. Sheriff Cole said Bird allegedly opened fire again, striking two deputies — one suffering a gunshot wound to the leg and another struck four times.
As another deputy attempted to rescue the wounded officers, Bird allegedly fatally shot Deputy Michael Hislope, 40, according to Cole.
Authorities used an armored vehicle to approach Bird, who was shot and killed during the exchange.
The two injured deputies were reported in stable condition Tuesday afternoon.
Deputy Ramirez had joined the department in March 2025, while Hislope had served since October 2019. Both were also U.S. Army veterans, the sheriff’s office said.
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe called the deaths a “solemn reminder” of the risks law enforcement officers face and extended condolences to the families and the Southwest Missouri law enforcement community.
Blue Alerts are issued when a suspect is accused of seriously injuring or killing a law enforcement officer and may pose an ongoing threat to the public.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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