CHRISTIAN COUNTY MO, The Christian County Sheriff’s Office has identified the two deputies who were killed in the line of duty during a multi-agency manhunt that concluded early Tuesday morning after the suspect was fatally shot by law enforcement.
The fallen deputies were identified as 30-year-old Deputy Gabriel Ramirez and 40-year-old Deputy Michael Hislope.
Deputy Ramirez joined the Sheriff’s Office on March 14, 2025. Although his time with the agency was brief, officials said he demonstrated strong dedication to serving and protecting the community.
Deputy Hislope had served with the department since October 28, 2019. He was described by colleagues as a committed public servant and valued member of the sheriff’s office.
Both deputies were veterans of the United States Army and were recognized for continuing their service to the community following their military careers.
Sheriff’s officials stated that their service, commitment, and dedication to Christian County will be remembered.
The incident began around 4:00 p.m. Monday when a deputy conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of State Highway 160 and Route HH, south of Highlandville. Authorities reported that gunfire occurred during the encounter, resulting in the death of Deputy Ramirez and prompting a large-scale manhunt.
Law enforcement later located the suspect’s abandoned vehicle, leading to an extensive search involving approximately 100 officers, deputies, and state troopers from across the Ozarks region.
Federal agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and the ATF, assisted in the operation.
According to Sheriff Brad Cole, the search concluded early Tuesday morning near the roundabout on Highway 160 close to Reeds Spring.
A helicopter operated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol detected movement in a wooded area after several hours of searching.
As deputies approached the area, authorities reported that the suspect, identified as Richard Bird, discharged a firearm. Law enforcement officers returned fire, and the suspect was fatally shot, bringing the situation to an end.
During the exchange, one additional deputy from Christian County and one deputy from the Webster County Sheriff’s Office were injured. Sheriff Cole stated their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
While the suspect is deceased, the impact of the incident has left the department and community in mourning. Two deputies lost their lives, and multiple agencies across the region are grieving alongside Christian County.
Sheriff Cole described the loss as devastating and acknowledged the profound effect on the deputies’ families, colleagues, and the broader community. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
