Crime
Brian Young killed after shooting in the parking lot of Lakeview Mall in Boone County
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one individual, identified as Brian Young, died following a shooting that occurred in the parking lot of Lakeview Mall on Thursday night.
Captain Brian Leer stated that the altercation stemmed from a disagreement inside Jake’s Bar and Grill, located near the mall. The disagreement escalated and culminated in the fatal shooting in the parking lot.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene before 9:50 p.m., and the victim was transported to a hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed whether any suspects are currently in custody.
Law enforcement officers established a large crime scene in the mall’s parking lot, located in the 5600 block of Clark Lane.
Crime scene tape cordoned off a significant portion of the area as investigators combed through the site with flashlights.
A visible law enforcement presence included Boone County deputies, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers, Columbia police officers, and Boone County firefighters. Witnesses reported that patrons inside Jake’s Bar and Grill were instructed to remain indoors while the investigation was underway.
At approximately 10:20 p.m., patrons were still present at the bar as investigators worked outside. By 10:34 p.m., deputies began removing crime scene tape, and several evidence boxes were loaded into the back of a patrol vehicle.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident and is seeking assistance from the public. Anyone with information regarding the events leading up to the shooting is encouraged to contact the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.
Further details, including potential suspects and a motive, are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
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.