Missouri deputy shooting suspect taken into custody after manhunt, officials say

A suspect was taken into custody Tuesday in connection with the shooting death of a Missouri lawmaker, according to authorities.

Richard Dean Bird, 45, was captured early Tuesday morning after the Christian County deputy was fatally shot shortly before 4 p.m. Monday, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said on social media.

The incident triggered an investigation to capture the suspect, who was considered armed and dangerous.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol described the suspect as a bald white man with brown eyes, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 145 pounds.

The suspect vehicle was previously identified as a white 2001 Chevrolet Silverado extended-cab pickup truck with Missouri license plate 9MGX36.

The truck was reportedly seen in the area of ​​the shooting and then traveled southbound on US Route 160 from Route HH in Christian County. US 160 heads south through southern Missouri and crosses into north-central Arkansas east of Harrison.

“The truck has been located,” the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, which is assisting in the search, wrote on X Monday night.

Many MPs had previously reacted to the MP’s death.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued a Blue Alert for a white 2001 Chevrolet Silverado extended-cab pickup truck with Missouri license plate 9MGX36 after a Christian County deputy was fatally shot near Highlandville. (Missouri State Highway Patrol Facebook)

“A lawmaker in my hometown was shot and killed today. Erin and I are praying for his family. May justice be swift,” Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., said the incident was “a devastating loss in Christian County.”

“As local law enforcement works to bring the suspect to justice, my prayers are with the lawmaker’s loved ones and those who served shoulder to shoulder with him to keep Missouri safe,” Schmitt wrote to X.

Missouri State Representative Jamie Ray Gragg said on Facebook: “I am heartbroken for our lawmaker’s family. While they understand this profession carries risks, senseless actions like this are unconscionable.”

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The Missouri State Highway Patrol described the suspect as a bald white man with brown eyes, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 145 pounds. (Jordyn Noennig / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images)

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In this case, the Blue Alerts initially issued are similar to Amber Alerts in that they are designed to quickly notify the public. However, a Blue Alert is issued when it is believed that a suspect has seriously injured or killed a law enforcement officer and may pose an ongoing threat.

“Blue Alert has been canceled. Suspect is in custody,” the Missouri State Highway Patrol said on channel X early Tuesday.

Fox News’ Stepheny Price contributed to this report.

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