Two Missouri Deputies Killed in Traffic Stop Ambush as Suspect Richard Dean Bird Shot Dead After 12-Hour Manhunt

A routine traffic stop in south-west Missouri has ended in one of the deadliest incidents for local law enforcement in recent years, with two Christian County deputies killed and the suspect, Richard Dean Bird, also dead following an hours-long manhunt.

The violence began on the afternoon of 23 February 2026 near Highlandville and unfolded into a 12-hour search that stretched across wooded terrain near the Arkansas border.

Deputy Gabriel Ramirez Shot During Traffic Stop

The first fatal shooting occurred shortly before 4 pm at the junction of State Highway 160 and Route HH.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Deputy Gabriel Ramirez, 30, of the Christian County Sheriff's Office, was conducting a routine traffic stop when he was shot. Despite emergency response efforts, Deputy Ramirez died from his injuries.

Authorities later identified the suspect as Richard Dean Bird, 45, of Highlandville, Missouri.

In the immediate aftermath, a statewide Blue Alert was issued as Bird fled the scene in a white 2001 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab pickup truck bearing Missouri licence plate 9MGX36. The truck was described as having a silver brush guard, a rusted roof, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball hitch.

Law enforcement warned the public not to approach the vehicle and to contact emergency services if they saw it.

Manhunt Intensifies Towards Arkansas Border

Officials said Bird's vehicle was last reported traveling southbound on US Route 160, a route leading towards the Arkansas state line. Multiple agencies joined the search effort, with approximately 100 officers involved.

The suspect later abandoned his vehicle near Reeds Spring and fled into a wooded area, prompting a large-scale tactical response. Helicopters equipped with thermal imaging were deployed to assist officers searching the rugged terrain.

The Blue Alert system remained active as law enforcement worked through the night to locate Bird.

Second Deputy Killed in Shootout

During the search in the early hours of 24 February, officers located Bird in a wooded area near Reeds Spring. Authorities confirmed that a shootout followed.

In that exchange of gunfire, a second Christian County deputy was fatally shot. Officials have not yet publicly released the name of the second deputy pending family notification.

Two additional officers were wounded during the confrontation — one from Christian County and one from Webster County. Authorities have described their injuries as non-life-threatening.

Bird was shot and killed during the exchange.

Sheriff Brad Cole Confirms Fatalities

Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole confirmed that two deputies had died in the line of duty and that the suspect was also deceased.

Sheriff Cole stated that around 100 officers from multiple agencies participated in the manhunt and subsequent operation. He praised the responding officers for their actions and expressed condolences to the families of the fallen deputies.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the shootings.

Blue Alert System Activated

The Blue Alert system was activated following the initial shooting of Deputy Ramirez. The system is designed to rapidly distribute information when a law enforcement officer has been seriously injured or killed, and the suspect poses a potential threat to the public.

Details of Bird's vehicle and identifying features were broadcast across Missouri as part of the urgent effort to locate him.

Community in Mourning

The deaths of Deputy Gabriel Ramirez and his colleague have sent shockwaves through Christian County and the wider Missouri law enforcement community.

State leaders, including Senator Josh Hawley, Senator Eric Schmitt, and State Representative Jamie Ray Gragg, issued statements expressing condolences and support for the deputies' families.

What began as a routine roadside stop escalated into a deadly ambush and a prolonged armed confrontation. Two deputies lost their lives in the line of duty, two officers were injured, and the suspect is now dead.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review the events that led to one of the most serious law enforcement incidents in the region this year.