A statewide Blue Alert manhunt is underway in Missouri after a Christian County deputy was shot and killed Monday afternoon. Authorities say the suspect fled the scene in a white pickup truck last seen heading south toward the Arkansas border, prompting urgent warnings to the public.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued the alert out of Highlandville just before 4 p.m. The suspect vehicle is identified as a white 2001 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab with Missouri license plate 9MGX36. Officials said the truck was last reported traveling southbound on U.S. Route 160 from Route HH in Christian County, a highway that runs into north-central Arkansas east of Harrison.
The vehicle has a silver brush guard, rusted roof, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball hitch. Authorities have not released a suspect description and are urging residents not to approach the vehicle but to call 911 immediately if spotted.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) responded to the tragedy. “A deputy in my home county was shot and killed today. Erin and I are praying for his family. May justice be swift,” he said. Sen. Eric Schmitt called the shooting “a devastating loss in Christian County,” adding, “As local law enforcement works to bring the suspect to justice, my prayers are with the deputy’s loved ones and those who served shoulder to shoulder with him to keep Missouri safe.”
State Rep. Jamie Ray Gragg said, “My heart is broken for our deputy’s family,” and urged prayer for officers “working tirelessly to find this individual while grieving at the same time.”
Blue Alerts notify the public when a suspect seriously injures or kills a law enforcement officer and may pose an ongoing threat.
