The Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued a Blue Alert out of Highlandville following the fatal shooting of a deputy in Christian County, KMBC News reported. A manhunt is underway near Reeds Spring in Stone County for Richard Dean Bird, 45, who is accused of shooting the deputy dead. The highway patrol said that Bird’s truck has been found abandoned nearby.
Missouri State Highway Patrol wrote in an update on Facebook, “BLUE ALERT Update: A search is underway near Reeds Spring in Stone County for Richard Dean Bird, 45, who is accused of shooting and killing a Christian County Deputy. The suspect’s truck was found abandoned nearby. Report sightings by calling 911.”
Bird is armed with a firearm, according to komu.com. He has been described as being white, 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing 145 pounds, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol.
The deputy who was allegedly killed by Bird has not been named yet. It is unclear what led to the deadly encounter between the deputy and Bird.
What is a Blue Alert?
Blue Alerts are similar to Amber Alerts as both are issued to quickly get information out to the public. However, Blue Alerts indicate a threat to law enforcement and involve suspects who have already harmed or could harm officers.
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According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, “The purpose of the Blue Alert program is to establish a notification system that provides immediate information to the public through issuing and coordinating alerts using various resources following a violent attack upon a law enforcement officer. The Blue Alert aims to protect the public and officers through efficient information dissemination and communication that results in quick and safe apprehension of suspect(s) when such attacks occur.”
