A tragic incident unfolded in Missouri as a dedicated police officer and mother of six lost her life in the line of duty. Officer Phylicia Carson, 33, was on patrol in Osage Beach when she attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a speeding vehicle. During the high-speed chase that ensued, Carson lost control of her patrol car and crashed into a tree, resulting in a fatal accident.
The suspect, identified as Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, 23, was apprehended after crashing his vehicle while fleeing the scene. Carson, who joined the department in June 2023, leaves behind her husband, Grant Carson, and their six children. The tragic loss has deeply affected the Osage Beach Police Department and the community at large.
The incident prompted an outpouring of support and condolences from officials and the public. Missouri Governor Mike Parson and Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe expressed their sympathies for Officer Carson’s family and colleagues, emphasizing the bravery and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers.
The suspect, Wehmeyer, faces serious charges under the newly enacted Valentine’s Law, which addresses aggravated fleeing from law enforcement resulting in death. The law imposes severe penalties for individuals who endanger lives by fleeing from police at high speeds. Wehmeyer is currently held in custody at Camden County Jail without bond.
Officer Carson’s untimely death marks the first line-of-duty loss for the Osage Beach Police Department in three decades. The community has come together to honor her memory, with tributes pouring in on social media and at the police department.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the community mourns the loss of a dedicated officer and loving mother. Officer Phylicia Carson will be remembered for her service, dedication, and the impact she made on those around her. May her legacy live on, and may her family find comfort and strength during this difficult time.
