Crime
21-year-old James Sencer Bowen Jr killed after shooting outside Engineered Plastics Components in Bessemer
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.
Bessemer police are continuing their search for a suspect following a deadly shooting that occurred at Engineered Plastics Components Inc. on Monday afternoon.
The shooting took place in the parking lot of the factory, located off Greenwood Parkway, around 3:45 PM. A male victim was transported to UAB Hospital, where he was tragically pronounced deceased.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.
This homicide follows a violent Labor Day weekend that shocked the Bessemer community.
While some residents and workers in the area express a sense of desensitization to such violence, others are deeply disturbed by the incident.
Bessemer police have stated that Monday’s fatal shooting is believed to be an isolated incident and that the public is not considered to be in danger.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 21-year-old James Sencer Bowen, Jr.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact the Bessemer Police Department at 205-425-2411. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
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.