Crime
Domestic Incident in Lawson, Missouri, Ends with Two Deaths and Officer Injured
Lawson, MO – A Sunday night domestic disturbance call in Lawson escalated into a deadly confrontation, leaving a man and a child dead, and a deputy injured in an officer-involved shooting.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) is leading the investigation.
Incident Details
At 7:35 p.m. on November 17, the Lawson Police Department responded to reports of a domestic disturbance at a residence on the 200 block of Montgomery Street.
The caller reported an adult male physically assaulting a woman inside the home, where children were also present.
Initial Response and Gunfire
Officers from the Lawson Police Department, along with a deputy from the Ray County Sheriff’s Office, arrived at the scene.
Upon their arrival, they were informed of the assault and the presence of children in the home.
The situation escalated when the male suspect presented a firearm and opened fire at law enforcement.
A Ray County deputy was struck by gunfire, prompting officers to return fire and retreat to safety outside the house.
Reinforcements and Tactical Response
With the situation intensifying, multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Clay County Sheriff’s Office S.T.A.R. Team, were called in to assist.
While officers worked to secure the perimeter, additional gunfire was heard from inside the residence. Authorities also received information that a child might be held hostage.
The Clay County S.T.A.R. Team entered the home to address the potential hostage situation. Inside, deputies discovered the bodies of an adult male and a juvenile.
Their identities have not yet been released, and the circumstances of their deaths are under investigation.
Injuries and Victim Update
- The injured Ray County deputy was transported to a hospital and is expected to recover from non-life-threatening injuries.
- The female victim, who was reportedly assaulted by the suspect, was found unharmed.
Ongoing Investigation
The Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A is investigating the incident to determine the sequence of events, including how the suspect and child died.
Community Impact
This tragic event has shaken the small community of Lawson. Authorities have expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and stressed their commitment to uncovering the truth about the incident.
Public Assistance
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A or local law enforcement agencies.
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.