A Missouri police officer and mother of six, Phylicia Carson, tragically lost her life after crashing her patrol vehicle into a tree during a high-speed chase.
The incident occurred on Saturday when Osage Beach officer Carson, 33, joined the pursuit of a suspect who had fled from another officer attempting to stop him for speeding on U.S. Highway 54. According to the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, 23-year-old Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, now faces felony charges for resisting arrest and creating a substantial risk of death.
During the chase, Carson lost control of her vehicle, veered off the road, and collided with a tree. Her patrol car then caught fire, and despite efforts, she succumbed to her injuries.
Carson had joined the Osage Beach Police Department in 2023 and leaves behind her husband and six children. In a news conference, Osage Beach Police Chief Todd Davis expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the dedicated officer.
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As of now, it remains unclear whether Wehmeyer has legal representation. A staff member at the Camden County Jail was unable to confirm if the suspect had secured an attorney.
In a statement released online, Missouri Governor Mike Parson honored Carson’s memory, stating that she “will not be forgotten.”