Two sheriff’s deputies in Missouri were fatally shot within hours of each other, authorities have said. The first was killed during a traffic stop and the second died in an exchange of gunfire with the suspect later that night, who was also shot dead.
Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole confirmed that the initial shooting occurred during a traffic stop south of Highlandville on Monday afternoon. The deputy killed in that incident was identified as Gabriel Ramirez.
About 100 officers, including deputies and state troopers, assisted in the search for the suspect, with assistance from US marshals, FBI and ATF agents. The suspect’s truck was found abandoned several miles south near Reeds Spring, prompting a search of the surrounding woodland.
Early on Tuesday, after detecting a heat signature, deputies moved in. The suspect opened fire, striking three deputies. One Christian County deputy was killed; two others, from Christian and Webster counties, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Officers returned fire, killing the suspect.
Sheriff Cole paid tribute to Deputy Ramirez, saying he was “always kind to everybody” and “always there for anybody who needed a shoulder to lean on.” The investigation is ongoing.
