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A massive search operation is in progress in Missouri following the tragic shooting of a deputy on Monday afternoon.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, an alert was activated in Highlandville after a deputy from Christian County was fatally shot just before 4 p.m.
Investigators have identified the suspect’s vehicle as a white 2001 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab pickup, bearing Missouri license plate 9MGX36.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued a Blue Alert for this vehicle, as it is believed to be connected to the fatal incident involving the Christian County deputy near Highlandville.
Officials reported that the truck was spotted in the vicinity of the shooting and was last seen heading south on U.S. Route 160 from Route HH in Christian County. This route extends south through southern Missouri and crosses into north-central Arkansas, east of Harrison.
The vehicle is described as having a silver brush guard, a rusted roof, black body trim, tinted rear windows and a three-ball hitch. No suspect description has been released.
Officials are urging anyone who sees the vehicle not to approach it and to call 911 immediately.
“A deputy in my home county was shot and killed today. Erin and I are praying for his family. May justice be swift,” Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., called the shooting “a devastating loss in Christian County.”
“As local law enforcement works to bring the suspect to justice, my prayers are with the deputy’s loved ones and those who served shoulder to shoulder with him to keep Missouri safe,” Schmitt wrote in post on X.
Missouri State Rep. Jamie Ray Gragg also shared a message on Facebook following the shooting.
A patch for the Missouri State Highway Patrol, worn by an officer (Jordyn Noennig / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images)
“My heart is broken for our deputy’s family. While they understood that this profession carries risk, senseless acts like this are beyond comprehension,” Gragg wrote.
He asked the community to join him in praying for the deputy’s family and friends, as well as for law enforcement officers “working tirelessly to find this individual while grieving at the same time,” adding that he hopes the situation ends peacefully “with no further bloodshed.”
Blue Alerts are similar to Amber Alerts in that they are designed to quickly notify the public. However, a Blue Alert is issued when a suspect is believed to have seriously injured or killed a law enforcement officer and may pose an ongoing threat.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
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