Officer Phylicia Carson, 33, a mother of six, was killed in a fiery crash on Sunday after she lost control of her patrol car during a high-speed pursuit. The suspect, 23-year-old Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, is charged with aggravated fleeing and causing a death.
A Missouri police officer, Phylicia Carson, 33, was tragically killed on Sunday after losing control of her patrol car during a high-speed pursuit. The heart-wrenching incident has left her family, community, and fellow officers in mourning.
Tragedy on the Highway: Missouri Police Officer Killed in High-Speed Pursuit
According to Police Chief Todd Davis, Officer Carson was on patrol around 1:18 a.m. when she spotted a speeding vehicle on westbound Highway 54. She activated her police lights and attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the driver sped away.
As Officer Carson pursued the speeding vehicle, her patrol car skidded off the road, crashing into a tree and catching fire. Davis said that Officer Carson died in the crash, leaving behind her husband and six children.
Tragedy on the Highway: Missouri Police Officer Killed in High-Speed Pursuit
The speeding driver, identified as 23-year-old Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, crashed minutes later and was taken into custody. He was charged with aggravated fleeing a stop or detention of a motor vehicle, causing a death, and is being held in the Camden County Jail without bond.
Officer Carson's passing has shocked the community and drawn support from state officials. Missouri Governor Mike Parson expressed his condolences on social media, saying that Carson's family and community will remain "in our prayers."
Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe also extended his heartfelt sympathy to Officer Carson's family and fellow officers, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who courageously serve despite the risks they face.
Missouri State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash to determine the exact circumstances that led to Officer Carson's untimely death.
Officer Carson's loss has been deeply felt by the Osage Beach Police Department, where she began her career in law enforcement just last year. Her colleagues have described her as a dedicated and compassionate officer who was always willing to go the extra mile.
The tragedy serves as a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day. Their service and sacrifice protect our communities, and the loss of Officer Carson is a reminder that their sacrifices sometimes come at a heavy cost.
