UPDATE: 8:40 pm Monday: Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole has confirmed to KOLR-10 the deputy shot and killed near Highlandville Monday afternoon is identified as Gabriel Ramirez. Deputy Ramirez was 30 years old and joined the sheriff’s office in July, 2025.
Sheriff Cole says the suspect in the photo below released by the Stone County Sheriff’s Office is Richard Dean Bird. Cole says Bird’s pickup truck that authorities had been searching for was found in Reeds Spring. Bird is believed to have abandoned the vehicle and fled into the woods.
Around 100 officers, deputies and state troopers are assisting in the manhunt.
UPDATE: 7:25pm Monday: The Stone County Sheriff’s Office has released this photo in connection with the manhunt for the person who shot and killed a Christian County Sheriff’s Deputy during a traffic stop Monday afternoon.
Stone County Sheriff’s Office is currently assisting in the search of the shooter from Christian County. If you see this vehicle or this individual please contact 911 immediately. He is to be considered armed and dangerous. Again, do not approach, call 911
Original Story: The Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued a Blue Alert after a Christian County sheriff’s deputy was shot to death Monday afternoon near Highlandville.
The shooting occurred around 4:00pm Monday.
The driver of a white 2001 Chevy extended cab truck with Missouri license plate 9MGX36 left the scene heading southbound on Highway 160 from Highway H-H in Christian County.
The truck is also described as a silver brush guard, rusted roof, black body trim with tinted rear windows and a three-ball hitch.
The driver has not been identified. Anyone who sees his vehicle is urged to call 911.
A Blue Alert is issued by the Highway Patrol when a law enforc
