Deputy Gabriel Ramirez - Christian County Sheriff's Office - Missouri

On February 23, 2026, Deputy Gabriel Ramirez of the Christian County Sheriff's Office (Missouri) conducted a traffic stop at approximately 4:00 p.m. on State Highway 160 and Route HH near Highlandville.  

While conducting this traffic stop, Deputy Ramirez was shot and killed by the suspect driver.  The suspect fled, and a manhunt ensued. Responding officers found the suspect's truck abandoned near Reeds Spring on State Highway 160. Using the suspect's heat signature, the Missouri State Highway Patrol tracked the suspect in the woods.

When officers approached the suspect, he fired at officers, striking and killing Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope with the Christian County Sheriff's Office and wounding two deputies, one with the Christian County Sheriff's Office and the other with the Webster County Sheriff's Office.

The suspect, a convicted felon who had posted bail on February 20, 2026, for an additional crime, was killed in return gunfire.

Deputy Ramirez was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Christian County Sheriff's Office for almost one year.  

As part of our "Plaques for Heroes" mission, engraved slate memorial plaques were sent to the Christian County Sheriff's Office and to Deputy Gabriel Ramirez's  family at no cost to honor his service and his sacrifice to the community of Christian County, Missouri. Our condolences to his family, his department and the community he served.