OSAGE BEACH, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man is now facing a murder charge for the police chase that led to the death of an officer.
Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, 23, was originally charged with aggravated fleeing a stop or detention resulting in death after the chase on Aug. 31. Prosecutors on Tuesday added a charge of second-degree murder.
Wehmeyer fled when an Osage Beach officer tried to stop him for speeding on U.S. 54, police said. Another Osage Beach officer, 33-year-old Phylicia Carson, joined the pursuit before skidding off the road into a tree. Her squad car burst into flames. Carson, a mother of six, died from her injuries.
Messages were left Wednesday with Wehmeyer's attorney.
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CAMDEN COUNTY —A Missouri police officer died in a crash and fire while chasing a suspect on Saturday in Camden County.
Just after 1:30a.m., sheriff's deputies responded near the Richland area to assist Osage Beach Police Department - City of Osage Beach, Missouri with a vehicle pursuit.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Ford Explorer driven by Osage Beach Police Officer 33-year-old Phylicia Carson was southbound on Route A just east of Toronto Springs Park Road.
The SUV crossed the center of the road while in pursuit of a suspect and began to skid. The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, struck a tree and caught fire. Officer Carson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Hedges Scott Funeral Home in Camdenton.
The vehicle involved in the chase also crashed and the suspect was taken into custody, according police.
Carson is survived by her husband and six children. She had been with the city since June 2023, according to Osage Beach Police.