Crime
Manchester Police Sergeant Ryan Moan found dead outside Middle Bolton Lake Boat Launch in Vernon
Moan had been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including risk of injury/impairing the morals of a child, enticing a minor by computer, misrepresentation of age to entice a minor, and tampering with physical evidence.
A Manchester police sergeant, who was recently arrested on serious charges, was found dead near a boat launch in Vernon on Friday afternoon, according to law enforcement sources.
The deceased officer, identified as Sergeant Ryan Moan, 33, was discovered in the parking lot of the Middle Bolton Lake Boat Launch on Hatch Hill Road at approximately 1:45 p.m.
Authorities have determined that Moan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and the case is being treated as an untimely death. Vernon police have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Earlier that same day, Moan had been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including risk of injury/impairing the morals of a child, enticing a minor by computer, misrepresentation of age to entice a minor, and tampering with physical evidence.
The arrest stemmed from allegations that first surfaced on November 18, which led to Moan being placed on unpaid administrative leave by the Manchester Police Department.
Moan, a resident of Coventry, joined the Manchester Police Department in February 2017 and most recently served as the supervisor of school resource officers for Manchester Public Schools. His role included oversight of school safety operations, particularly at Manchester High School.
School officials confirmed that they were made aware of the allegations on November 18 and acted swiftly to remove Moan from his position pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to confirm the exact cause of death. The incident is still under investigation, and Vernon police are urging anyone with additional information to contact them at 860-872-9126.
This tragic event has left both the law enforcement and local communities grappling with shock and unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding Moan’s charges and subsequent death.
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.