Crime
Student arrested after gun found at Lake Brantley High School in Seminole County
Lake Brantley High School in Seminole County has been placed on lockdown after school officials discovered a gun on campus.
According to the Seminole County Public Schools district, officials received information about a potential weapon on campus, prompting an immediate investigation.
A student was identified, searched, and found to be in possession of an unloaded firearm.
The student is currently in custody, but no further details have been released.
All students and staff are safe at this time. Lake Brantley remains under a “Code Yellow” lockdown while law enforcement conducts a thorough sweep of the campus.
A “Code Yellow” lockdown indicates that the campus is secured, but students are allowed to continue with their regular classroom activities.
Limited movement around the campus is permitted under this code.
Additionally, no one is allowed to leave or enter the campus during a “Code Yellow” lockdown.
The Seminole County Public Schools district is reminding parents to refrain from attempting to pick up their children at this time.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.