Crime
20-year-old Nicholas Rutledge arrested in shooting death of 53-year-old Maurice Stewart in Phoenix
A 20-year-old man has been taken into custody in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning near 24th and Van Buren streets in Phoenix.
Phoenix police officers responded to reports of gunfire in a business parking lot around 1:45 a.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered a man, later identified as 53-year-old Maurice Stewart, suffering from gunshot wounds.
Stewart was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.
During their investigation, authorities identified a suspect vehicle linked to the incident.
Officers located the vehicle in a nearby neighborhood and attempted to make contact with the suspect, 20-year-old Nicholas Rutledge.
Rutledge fled the scene on foot but was apprehended after a brief pursuit.
At this time, the events leading up to the shooting remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Phoenix Police Department or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377).
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.