CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. – A police officer in Missouri who was also a mother of six children died during a vehicle pursuit after she lost control of her patrol unit while trying to track down an offender, according to law enforcement authorities.
Officer Phylicia Carson, 33, of the Osage Beach Police Department in Missouri was on patrol about 1:18 a.m. Saturday when she saw a vehicle speeding down a rural road in Camden County near the Lake of the Ozarks, Chief Todd Davis said during a press conference.
The driver failed to yield as Carson activated her emergency lights and a pursuit was initiated. While chasing the suspect, the officer lost control of her patrol car and skidded off the road, slamming into a tree.
Upon impact, the police unit burst into flames, claiming Carson’s life, the chief confirmed.
“Officer Carson perished in the crash,” a choked-up Davis said while wiping tears away, the New York Post reported.
The evading driver also crashed minutes later and was taken into custody. He was identified as 23-year-old Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, according to police.
Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer was taken into custody. (Camden County Sheriff’s Office)
Online county records revealed that Wehmeyer was charged with aggravated fleeing a stop or detention of a motor vehicle, resulting in death.
He was booked at the Camden County Jail and is being held without bond.
Carson became an officer with the Osage Beach Police Department in June 2023. Her death is the first for the agency in 30 years, The Post reported.
She is survived by her husband, Grant Carson, and the couple’s six children.
Carson is survived by her husband, Grant Carson, and their six children. (Facebook)
“Please keep the Carson family, our Department, and our community in your thoughts and prayers as we work through this tragic event,” Davis pleaded.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is conducting the investigation.
Family friend Cira Clement Monnig wrote on Facebook that “Phylicia Carson has always been one of those women that inspire you for the person that she has been … God loving, momma bear, funny, outspoken, ball of joy.”
“My heart is broken for her, Grant Carson, and their kids that she has absolutely lived for,” Monnig continued. “Please lift this family up and ask God to wrap them in peace.”
