Two Missouri deputies killed, two injured after suspect opens fire

Two sheriff’s deputies have been killed and two others injured after a suspect allegedly opened fire on law enforcement officers during and after a traffic stop in Missouri, authorities said.

According to the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began on Monday when deputies stopped a vehicle on State Highway 160.

The suspect, identified as Richard Bird opened fire, killing one deputy before fleeing the scene, officials said, reports ABC News.

The suspect abandoned the pickup truck he had been driving and escaped into nearby woods. An alert was later issued by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which also released an image of the vehicle linked to the suspect.

Authorities later tracked a heat source in the woods using a police helicopter. Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole told reporters that as deputies approached the suspect, he again opened fire.

During the second confrontation, one deputy from Christian County was killed, while two others were shot and injured.

Officials said the wounded deputies’ injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Law enforcement officers returned fire, and the suspect was shot and killed at the scene. Investigations into the shooting are ongoing.