MISSOURI — Two Christian County, Missouri, deputies were killed in two separate shootings, hours apart, after a suspect with a criminal record opened fire on law enforcement during a traffic stop and a large-scale pursuit. The suspect was also shot and killed at the scene.

Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole stated that suspect Richard Bird, 45, fatally shot Deputy Gabriel Ramirez, 30, during a traffic stop south of Highlandville on Monday afternoon.

Large-scale Pursuit and Intense Shootout

After Deputy Ramirez's body was discovered on the road, multiple agencies, including the FBI, Missouri State Highway Patrol, US Marshals, and local units, joined the manhunt.

Less than an hour later, police received information in the Galena area and issued a “blue alert.” The suspect's pickup truck was found abandoned several miles from the scene.

Law enforcement located the suspect in a nearby wooded area after detecting a heat signature. Around 11:38 AM, Bird began firing continuously at officers.

Deputy Josh Wahl was shot in the leg with serious injuries. Deputy Austin McCall sustained four gunshot wounds. Both were identified with life-threatening injuries but have since undergone surgery and are in stable condition.

As officers attempted to reach and rescue their injured colleagues, Deputy Michael Hislope, 40, was struck by gunfire and killed.

An armored vehicle was deployed to approach the suspect. Bird continued to fire before being shot and killed.

Suspect Recently Released on Bail

According to court records, Bird had just been served with an arrest warrant for second-degree burglary on Monday — less than a week after being indicted for receiving stolen property.

In the previous incident, police recovered approximately $2,000 in collectible coins reported missing from a safe. Bird was also found to be in possession of documents he had attempted to burn.

He posted a $50,000 bond on Friday. Bird had previously served approximately 10 years in prison in Kansas for conspiracy to commit murder and other charges after shooting at a police officer. He was released from prison in 2023.

Remembering the Fallen Officers

Deputy Gabriel Ramirez joined the Christian County Sheriff's Office in March 2024. Deputy Michael Hislope had served since October 2019.

The Sheriff's Office stated that both had served in the U.S. military and were highly regarded by colleagues for their sense of duty and commitment to protecting the community.

Sheriff Cole said:

“Anytime you lose two law enforcement officers within 24 hours… it's a dark day.”

The two injured deputies are currently continuing their treatment and recovery.

The investigation into the entire incident is ongoing.