Crime
Suspect in Custody Following Domestic Disturbance in Brazoria County, Officer Shot
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, with blonde hair. He was last seen wearing jeans, a grey hoodie, and a white baseball cap.
Authorities in Brazoria County, Texas, are investigating a domestic disturbance that escalated into a shooting incident, resulting in an injured police officer.
The incident occurred on Avenue C off Highway 35 around 9:15 a.m. local time. Responding officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a domestic dispute involving a 36-year-old man and his elderly mother and grandmother.
Upon arrival, the officer was involved in an altercation with the suspect and was shot. The suspect then fled the scene, leaving the injured officer behind.
The wounded officer was transported to a nearby trauma center and is currently listed in stable condition.
In addition to the officer, authorities have confirmed that a female victim, believed to be either the mother or grandmother, sustained injuries prior to the arrival of law enforcement. The exact nature of her injuries remains unclear.
A massive search operation was launched to locate the suspect, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including helicopters, a DPS plane, a SWAT team, and resources from various departments in the region. The collaborative effort among these agencies was described as “quite impressive” by Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Patin.
The suspect was apprehended around midnight, approximately half a mile away from the scene of the shooting. Charges against the suspect are pending.
The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office is leading the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Further details will be released as they become 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.