A Missouri police officer and mother of six children was killed after losing control of her patrol car during a high-speed pursuit early Sunday, authorities said.
Osage Beach Police Officer Phylicia Carson, 33, was on patrol around 1:18 a.m. when she spotted a speeding vehicle on westbound Highway 54, Chief Todd Davis said during a news conference.
Carson activated her police lights and tried to pull the vehicle over, but Davis said the driver sped away.
As Carson pursued the speeding vehicle, her patrol car skidded off the road and struck a tree before catching fire. Davis said Carson died in the crash.
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Osage Beach Police Officer Phylicia Carson, 33, was killed during a high-speed chase early Sunday. (Osage Beach Police Department)
The speeding driver crashed minutes later before being taken into custody.
The suspect, later identified as 23-year-old Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, was charged with aggravated fleeing a stop or detention of a motor vehicle, causing a death.
Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, 23, was charged in connection with Osage Beach Police Officer Phylicia Carson’s death. (Camden County Sheriff’s Office)
He is being held in the Camden County Jail without bond, according to online jail records.
Carson leaves behind a husband and six children, Davis said. She began her career in law enforcement with the Osage Beach Police Department in June 2023.
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Missouri Gov. Mike Parson wrote on social media that Carson’s family and community will remain “in our prayers.”
“Officer Carson will not be forgotten,” Parson wrote.
Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe also wrote that he and his wife, Claudia, “extend our heartfelt condolences to Officer Carson’s husband, their six children, and her fellow officers.”
“We must remember those in law enforcement who courageously serve their communities despite the threats they face,” Kehoe wrote.
Missouri State Highway Patrol is leading the crash investigation.
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How Fourth of July became a celebration of history and hope
From revolution to massive fireworks, July Fourth evolved into a celebration of history, heritage and America’s values.
President Donald Trump will kick off Independence Day weekend with a speech at Mount Rushmore beneath busts of four of his predecessors.
As part of a day of festivities tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary, the president will address visitors to the South Dakota landmark in a keynote address on Friday, July 3. at approximately 8:30 p.m. MT/10:30 p.m. ET according to the schedule released by the White House.
After the president’s remarks, the night will end with a massive fireworks display. It will be Mount Rushmore’s first time hosting a July 3 fireworks display since 2020, which Trump also attended during his first term in office.
Earlier in the day, there will be a slew of activities and programming on site for visitors before the evening festivities. The National Park Service and the state are coordinating the celebration, and a ticket lottery to attend has already closed.
Here’s what to know about the timing of the Mount Rushmore celebrations and how to tune in.
The event on July Fourth eve will feature myriad exhibits, reenactors and interactive experiences throughout the day, according to Freedom 250, the group working with Trump’s administration to coordinate the weekend’s events.
At night, it will transition into a tribute to the Armed Forces, including military bands, aviation flyovers and precision drill demonstrations, the group said.
After, South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum will take the stage to introduce Trump.
Following the president’s remarks, the event will conclude with the fireworks show.
Trump is expected to deliver his Mount Rushmore address at 8:30 p.m. MT (10:30 p.m. ET), according to the White House, though organizers have not yet released a detailed event schedule.
However, the day’s programming is set to run from 4-10 p.m. local time, according to the National Park Service.
The fireworks, which will close out the event, are expected to begin around 9:30 p.m. local time, according to the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, part of the USA TODAY Network.
The Mount Rushmore event will be streamed live on Travel South Dakota’s website.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.
Taylor police are investigating after a man was found dead with stab wounds outside of a vehicle early Thursday morning.
Police responded to the 11000 block of Elm Street around 4:15 a.m. Thursday for a report of an unresponsive man lying on the ground next to a vehicle. Medics pronounced the man dead at the scene.
Detectives identified a former girlfriend of the victim, and an investigation led police to the area of Telegraph and McNichols roads in Detroit, where authorities say they found her vehicle.
When detectives attempted to make contact with the woman, they say she fled in her car.
The woman’s vehicle was later found abandoned in a field in the 15000 block of Salem Street.
With help from Detroit police and the Michigan State Police K-9 Unit, authorities tracked down the woman hiding behind a bush and took her into custody without incident.
Taylor police have not identified the victim or the suspect.
An investigation is ongoing.
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