Crime
Lockdown at Oakton Elementary School lifted, No active shooter
Oakton Elementary School was placed on lockdown due to reports of an armed individual in the area. However, there is no active shooter situation. No shots have been fired, and no injuries have been reported.
The armed individual, who is known to the school community, has left the area and is heading southbound. Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the incident.
The lockdown affected students who were still on campus after dismissal. The incident was a dispute between two individuals and not a random act of violence.
The school is lifting the lockdown, and remaining students are being released.
Police have made contact with the armed subject, and they are cooperating with authorities.
There is no immediate danger to the public, but it is advisable to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
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.