Crime
Monroe Police Investigate Shooting at Hibbett Sports
Monroe, LA – The Monroe Police Department (MPD) is actively investigating a shooting incident that took place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Hibbett Sports, located in the 2700 block of Louisville Avenue.
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two adult victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Both individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received immediate medical attention at the scene before being transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the altercation originated as a dispute over shoes inside a nearby shopping mall.
The conflict escalated and spilled over into the Hibbett Sports store, where shots were fired.
Investigators have determined that this was not a random act of violence.
According to police, the individuals involved were known to each other, and the shooting stemmed from a physical altercation inside the store.
MPD detectives are actively reviewing surveillance footage, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Monroe Police Department or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
This remains a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
Crime
Two Christian County Deputies Killed in Line of Duty Identified as Gabriel Ramirez and Michael Hislope
Christian County, Mo. — The Christian County Sheriff’s Office has identified the two deputies killed in the line of duty during a multi-agency manhunt that concluded early Tuesday morning with the suspect fatally shot by law enforcement.
The fallen deputies have been identified as 30-year-old Deputy Gabriel Ramirez and 40-year-old Deputy Michael Hislope.
Deputy Ramirez joined the Sheriff’s Office on March 14, 2025. Although his tenure with the agency was brief, officials stated that his dedication to serving and protecting the community was evident from the outset.
Deputy Hislope had served with the department since October 28, 2019, and was described as a dedicated public servant, trusted colleague, and valued member of the sheriff’s office family.
Both deputies were veterans of the United States Army and were recognized for their continued commitment to service following their military careers.
Sheriff’s officials stated that their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to Christian County will not be forgotten.
The incident began around 4:00 p.m. Monday when a deputy conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of State Highway 160 and Route HH, south of Highlandville. During that encounter, gunfire erupted, resulting in the initial fatal shooting of Deputy Ramirez and prompting a large-scale manhunt.
Authorities later located the suspect’s abandoned vehicle, triggering an extensive search effort involving approximately 100 law enforcement officers, deputies, and state troopers from across the Ozarks region.
Federal partners, including the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and the ATF, also assisted in the operation.
According to Brad Cole, the search culminated early Tuesday morning near the roundabout on Highway 160 close to Reeds Spring.
A helicopter operated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol detected a moving heat signature in a wooded area after hours of searching.
As deputies approached the location, the suspect, identified as Richard Bird, opened fire. Law enforcement officers returned fire, fatally striking Bird and ending the threat.
During the exchange, one additional deputy from Christian County and one deputy from the Webster County Sheriff’s Office were wounded. Sheriff Cole stated that their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
While the suspect has been neutralized, the cost of the operation has left the department and community grieving. Two deputies did not return home to their families, and multiple agencies across the region are mourning alongside Christian County.
Sheriff Cole described the loss as devastating, noting the profound impact on the deputies’ families, colleagues, and the broader community they served. The investigation into the shootings remains ongoing.