Crime
Active shooter alert reported at Lamar University in Beaumont
UPDATE: Lamar University police have detained a suspect following an active shooter alert issued on campus at approximately 12:30 PM on Monday.
An active shooter situation has been reported at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.
Students are currently under lockdown, and images shared on social media depict the chaotic scene. It’s unclear if one of the images shows the actual shooter.
The identities of the students who posted these images remain anonymous.
The alert from Lamar University details a suspicious individual on campus. According to the message, a female suspect carrying a possible black handgun was last seen walking from Gentry Hall toward the Dining Hall at 12:15 p.m. She was described as wearing an army green long-sleeve jacket, light blue jeans, a utility belt with a canteen, and black boots.
Police ask public to please stay out of the area.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
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.