Two sheriff’s deputies of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and a suspect are now dead after a manhunt occurred to locate a man who was on the run for killing a deputy.
In the northern area of Branson, Missouri, CCSO Brad Cole confirmed that deputies found Richard Bird near Reeds Spring, according to 40/29.
While deputies approached Bird to make an arrest, he started shooting at them. A second deputy was killed during the exchange of gunfire on Tuesday, February 24.
Also involved in the fatal shooting were one deputy from Christian County, and a second deputy from Webster County, who sustained gunshot wounds.
Their injuries were later confirmed as non-life threatening.
Bird attempted to escape the scene, by running into a wooded area which prompted a search that lasted for hours. He was later identified by a Highway Patrol helicopter while attempting to stay hidden.
Responders started to close in on his area, where they were met with gunfire but fired back at him in response.
Deputies Gabriel Ramirez, 30, who joined the department in March of 2025, and also Michael Hislope, 40, who has been with the department since October of 2019, were confirmed as deceased.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we mourn the loss of two of our own — Deputy Gabriel Ramirez and Deputy Michael Hislope — who gave their lives in the line of duty,” Sheriff Brad Cole said in a social media statement.
“These men answered the call to serve, putting the safety of others before their own, including serving our nation in the U.S. Army. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Christian County will never be forgotten. We ask our community to keep their families, friends, and fellow deputies in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. On behalf of the entire Christian County Sheriff’s Office, we honor their service, their sacrifice, and their legacy.”
Cole held a news conference Tuesday, February 24, in Ozark at the Christian County Courthouse lawn where he provided additional information.
