Crime
20-year-old Md Rawnaq Ratin killed after shooting on Cedar Road in Cheektowaga
On October 12, 2024, just before 5:00 PM, Cheektowaga Police public safety dispatchers received 911 calls that a male was shot on Cedar Road in the Town of Cheektowaga.
Officers responded and found 20-year-old MDrawnaq Ratin of Cheektowaga suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Officers immediately attempted life-saving measures at the scene until Mr. Ratin was transported by AMR to the Erie County Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
One of the 911 callers identified himself as the person who fired the gun and waited for police to arrive at the scene.
Police have recovered a firearm that is believed to have been used and have begun a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Anyone with an in-person account or video evidence of the event is encouraged to contact the Cheektowaga Police Detective Bureau at (716)686-3510.
We are urging members of our community to remain patient and calm as we work to collect and process evidence from the scene of the homicide.
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.