A routine traffic stop in southwest Missouri's Ozarks turned into one of the most tragic days for local law enforcement, claiming the lives of two dedicated deputies and leaving two others injured before the armed suspect was neutralized.
Around 4 p.m. on February 23, 2026, Deputy Gabriel Ramirez, 30, pulled over a vehicle on State Highway 160 near Highlandville. The driver, Richard Dean Bird, 45, opened fire, killing Ramirez before fleeing. A Blue Alert mobilized over 100 officers from multiple agencies.
Bird abandoned his truck and hid in woods near Reeds Spring in Stone County. Thermal imaging from a Highway Patrol helicopter located him around 11:30 p.m. As deputies closed in, Bird fired again, wounding two officers and killing Deputy Michael Hislope, 40, who tried to rescue them. Officers returned fire from an armored vehicle, killing Bird.
"It is 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.
— Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole
Deputy Ramirez, a U.S. Army veteran, joined in March 2025 and showed clear dedication to community protection despite short service.
Deputy Hislope, also a veteran, served since October 2019 as a trusted colleague and family man.
Wounded deputies Josh Wahl (Christian County, leg wound) and Austin McCall (Webster County, four wounds) are stable and expected to recover fully.
Suspect's Violent Criminal History
Richard Dean Bird had a long record of violence against law enforcement, including a 2016 Kansas conviction for aggravated battery after shooting at a deputy in 2014.
Recent 2026 Missouri charges included second-degree burglary, stealing, receiving stolen property, drug possession, and evidence tampering—some filed days before the incident.
Community and State Response
Sheriff Cole described it as one of the department's darkest days, grateful for community support. Governor Mike Kehoe offered condolences and praised officers' sacrifices and the multi-agency collaboration.
Key Timeline and Details
The event underscores the dangers of routine stops and the courage shown in high-risk situations.
✓ Feb. 23 traffic stop leads to Deputy Ramirez's death
✓ Blue Alert and nine-hour multi-agency manhunt
✓ Thermal imaging locates suspect in woods
✓ Shootout kills Deputy Hislope, wounds two others
✓ Officers fatally shoot suspect in response
Investigations ongoing into the stop's reason and complete event details.
Remembering Their Service and Sacrifice
The Christian County Sheriff's Office and communities are uniting to support families and colleagues through grief while honoring these fallen heroes' legacies.
Their selfless service reminds everyone of the daily risks officers take to ensure public safety.
Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Christian County will never be forgotten.— Sheriff Brad Cole
As tributes flow in, the focus is on healing, preserving their memory, and supporting all affected by this tragedy.
