A tragic incident occurred in Osage Beach, Missouri, where Officer Phylicia Carson, a 33-year-old mother of six, lost her life during a high-speed pursuit early Sunday morning.
Officer Carson, who had been with the Osage Beach Police Department since June 2023, was attempting to conduct a traffic stop when the situation took a devastating turn.
The incident began around 1:20 a.m. when Officer Carson spotted a vehicle speeding down a rural road in Camden County, near the Lake of the Ozarks.
According to Osage Beach Police Chief Todd Davis, Carson activated her patrol car’s lights and pursued the vehicle in an effort to pull the driver over.
However, the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, chose to flee rather than comply.
During the pursuit, Officer Carson lost control of her patrol car, which then skidded off the road and crashed into a tree.
The impact caused the vehicle to ignite in flames. Despite immediate efforts to contact Carson after reports of a vehicle fire were received, the department was unable to reach her.
Chief Davis, visibly emotional, confirmed that Officer Carson perished in the crash.
The suspect, Wehmeyer, also crashed his vehicle shortly after Officer Carson’s accident and was subsequently arrested. He now faces charges of aggravated fleeing, which led to the death of Officer Carson. According to Camden County records, Wehmeyer is being held without bond at the Camden County Jail.
This tragic incident marks the first line-of-duty death for the Osage Beach Police Department in 30 years.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the chase and crash.
The charges against Wehmeyer come shortly after the enactment of Missouri’s new Valentine’s Law.
This law addresses aggravated fleeing from law enforcement, specifically when the act results in a significant risk of serious injury or death, or when it directly causes such outcomes.
Under this law, individuals convicted of these offenses can face felony charges with potential sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years to life in prison.
The loss of Officer Carson has reverberated through the community and state. Missouri Governor Mike Parson expressed his condolences, stating that he and his wife Teresa are keeping the Osage Beach community in their prayers. He emphasized that “Officer Carson will not be forgotten.”
This morning, Osage Beach Police Officer Phylicia Carson died in the line of duty. Teresa and I lift up her family and the Osage Beach community in our prayers.
Officer Carson will not be forgotten. https://t.co/Ig68x2QYBU [1]
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 31, 2024 [2]
Missouri Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe also offered his heartfelt condolences to Carson’s family, acknowledging the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in their service to the community.
Friends and family have also mourned the loss of Officer Carson. A family friend, Cira Clement Monnig, shared a touching tribute on social media, describing Carson as a devoted mother and a source of inspiration. Monnig’s post reflected the deep sorrow felt by those who knew Carson, as well as the community’s commitment to supporting her grieving family.
As the investigation continues, the community of Osage Beach is left to grapple with the sudden loss of a dedicated officer, wife, and mother.
Officer Phylicia Carson’s service and sacrifice will be remembered by those she served and those who loved her.