Crime
Video shows moments shots fired at St. Martinville High School homecoming game
One person has died as a result of the shooting. 22-year-old Zackyric Gardner arrested.
UPDATE: A tragic shooting incident occurred during the St. Martinville High School homecoming football game on Friday night, resulting in one fatality.
St. Martinville Police Chief Ricky Martin confirmed the death and announced the arrest of 22-year-old Zackyric Gardner in connection with the crime.
Gardner was apprehended in Texas and is facing a charge of second-degree murder.
His bond has been set at a substantial $10 million.
The shooting sparked widespread outrage and concern, highlighting the growing issue of gun violence, particularly at public events.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the St. Martinville Police Department Detectives at 337-394-3001.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
A shooting incident occurred during the St. Martinville High School homecoming game on Friday night.
One person was injured in the incident.
The shooting caused chaos and panic among the crowd.
Several social media posts documented the frightening experience as gunshots rang out during the event.
St. Martinville Police have identified a suspect in connection with the shooting.
The community is shocked and saddened by this act of violence, which disrupted a joyful occasion.
Many have expressed frustration over the increasing prevalence of gun violence, particularly at public events like high school football games.
As the investigation continues, more information will be released.
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.