MSHP issues alert after Christian County deputy killed in shooting

By: Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued a “Blue Alert” on Monday afternoon as it searched for a vehicle near a town south of Springfield after a deputy was killed in Christian County.

A “Blue Alert” is issued in a similar manner to an Amber Alert, though it exclusively means that authorities are looking for someone who either injured or killed a law enforcement officer or is looking for someone who plans to hurt officers.

A second alert was sent at 4:36 p.m., indicating a Christian County deputy was killed in a shooting.

Authorities are looking for a white 2001 Chevrolet Silverado with Missouri license plates reading 9MGX36.

The truck has a silver brush guard, rusted roof, black body trim, tinted rear windows and a three ball hitch, the alert says. The vehicle was allegedly seen near where the deputy was shot, the alert says. It was seen heading south on Highway 160 from Route HH in Christian County.