A tragic manhunt in Christian County, Missouri, has resulted in the deaths of two sheriff’s deputies and the suspected shooter, Richard Bird. The incident began on February 23 at 3:53 p.m. When Christian County 911 received a call regarding a deputy down near the intersection of Highway 116, Glossop Avenue and Highland Mill, according to Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole.
Responding deputies discovered Deputy Gabriel Ramirez fatally shot. Shortly after, a suspect vehicle was identified, and a Blue Alert was issued at 4:35 p.m., initiating a manhunt for Richard Bird, 45, of Stone County. After a nine-hour search, Bird’s vehicle was located near the Read Springs area.
At 11:30 p.m., Bird was sighted in a wooded area near Highway 248, and law enforcement began receiving gunfire. Deputies Joshua Bell and Austin McCall were wounded during the encounter; Bell sustained a debilitating gunshot wound to the leg, and McCall was shot four times. During a rescue attempt, Christian County Deputy Michael Hislope was fatally shot.
Sheriff Cole stated, “At that time, law enforcement utilized an armored vehicle to approach the suspects. The suspect, who continued to fire upon law enforcement. That time, multiple law enforcement officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect and ultimately eliminated the threat.”
Sheriff Cole expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, stating, “Today is a sad day for law enforcement in our community in southwest Missouri and across the state of Missouri.” He noted that the initial reason for the traffic stop remains unclear, as deputies typically do not immediately report the cause of a stop. Bird had a prior criminal history, though Sheriff Cole had not yet reviewed the details due to the ongoing situation.
Law enforcement utilized aircraft and drones equipped with heat-sensing technology to locate Bird during the manhunt. According to Sheriff Cole, these resources quickly identified a heat signature within minutes of receiving a sighting.
Mourning deputies
“We see with the heaviest of hearts that we mourn the loss of two of our own — Deputy Gabriel Ramirez and Deputy Michael Hislope — who gave their lives in the line of duty,” Sheriff Cole said. Deputy Hislope had been with the department since October 2019 and was described as a dedicated deputy and valued member of the sheriff’s office family.
Sheriff Cole asked for thoughts and prayers for the families, friends, and fellow deputies. He stated, “These men answered the call to serve, putting the safety of others before their own, including serving our nation in the U.S. Army. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Christian County will never be forgotten.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the initial incident begin?
The incident began on February 23 at 3:53 p.m. When Christian County 911 received a call about a deputy down.
Where was the suspect located during the final standoff?
The suspect, Richard Bird, was sighted in a wooded area near Highway 248.
How long did the manhunt last?
The manhunt lasted approximately nine hours, from the time Bird’s vehicle was located to when he was sighted in the wooded area.
As the Christian County community mourns the loss of these two deputies, what steps will be taken to support their families and fellow officers in the days and weeks to come?
