Richard Dean Bird, 45, has been identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting of a Christian County Sheriff’s deputy that prompted a statewide Blue Alert in Missouri earlier this week.
The alert, which warned the public that Bird was armed and dangerous, was later canceled after authorities confirmed he had been taken into custody.
The incident occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026, near Highlandville in Christian County, Missouri, during what law enforcement officials described as a routine traffic stop. During the encounter, the deputy was shot and killed in the line of duty.
The deputy was later identified as Deputy Gabriel Ramirez, 30, a member of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said Deputy Ramirez had been serving the community at the time of his death.
Following the shooting, the Missouri State Highway Patrol issued a Blue Alert, a system reserved for situations in which a law enforcement officer is seriously injured or killed, and the suspect poses an ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities identified the suspect as Richard Dean Bird and urged residents not to approach him but to report any sightings immediately by calling 911.
During the manhunt, Bird’s vehicle, a white 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, was found abandoned near Reeds Spring in Stone County, several miles south of the shooting scene.
The discovery intensified the search, with multiple law enforcement agencies assisting in ground and aerial efforts throughout the area.
Later that day, officials confirmed that Bird had been located and taken into custody, bringing the search to an end.
Following his arrest, the Blue Alert was officially canceled. Authorities have not released full details about where or how Bird was apprehended, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The death of Deputy Ramirez has prompted an outpouring of condolences from local officials, law enforcement agencies across the state, and members of the community.
Missouri leaders described the shooting as a tragic loss and emphasized support for the deputy’s family and fellow officers.
As of now, investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop and shooting.
Formal charges and court proceedings against Bird are expected, though officials have stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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