February 23rd, 2026 Local News
Stone Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A manhunt connected to the fatal shooting of a Christian County deputy has come to an end. The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that Richard Bird was taken into custody late Monday night following an extensive search.
Authorities say the initial shooting occurred around 4 p.m. Monday during a traffic stop south of Highlandville at the intersection of State Highway 160 and Route HH. The deputy who was killed has been identified as Deputy Gabriel Ramirez, who was 30 years old.
During the search, law enforcement recovered Bird’s pickup truck in Reeds Spring. Investigators said Bird was believed to have abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby wooded areas on foot.
Approximately 100 officers, deputies, and state troopers from multiple agencies assisted in the manhunt, which continued for several hours before Bird was located and arrested.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released additional details about the arrest or potential charges.