In a devastating incident, a dedicated police officer and loving mother of six lost her life during a high-speed pursuit. Phylicia Carson, 33 years old and a member of the Osage Beach Police Department, was on duty in the early hours of Sunday when tragedy struck.
It all began when Officer Carson spotted a speeding vehicle on a rural road near the Lake of the Ozarks. Determined to maintain law and order, she activated her emergency lights and initiated a pursuit. However, the suspect had other plans in mind and decided to flee.
In the heat of the chase, Officer Carson’s patrol car lost control, careening off the road and colliding with a tree. The impact was so severe that the vehicle burst into flames, making it impossible for her to escape. Devastatingly, she lost her life in the crash.
The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, continued to evade law enforcement but ultimately crashed and was apprehended. A subsequent investigation is currently underway under the supervision of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Officer Phylicia Carson was a dedicated member of the Osage Beach Police Department, having joined in June 2023. Her fellow officers, friends, and family are shattered by this unimaginable loss. She leaves behind her loving husband, Grant Carson, and their six children, who now face the difficult task of carrying on without her.
This tragic incident has deeply impacted the community and the entire police department, as it marks the first on-duty loss in 30 years. Chief Todd Davis, his voice filled with emotion, urged everyone to keep the Carson family, the department, and the community in their thoughts and prayers.
In the wake of this devastating news, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe shared a heartfelt tribute on X, extending condolences to Officer Carson’s family and fellow officers. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the need to remember Officer Phylicia Carson’s sacrifice and the importance of supporting those who continue to serve and protect.
The suspect has since been charged with several offenses, including resisting arrest, attempting to flee, and the death of a police officer. He remains held in Camden County Jail without bond, awaiting further legal proceedings.
As the community mourns the loss of Officer Carson, it serves as a reminder of the daily risks that law enforcement officers face in their line of duty. Her dedication, bravery, and commitment to keeping her community safe will always be honored and never forgotten. May she rest in peace.