Driver Charged After Fatal Crash in Rural Missouri Involving Osage Beach Officer
CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. – Tragedy struck the Osage Beach community when Officer Phylicia Carson lost her life in a fiery crash while in pursuit of a suspect in rural Camden County. The driver accused of fleeing from Officer Carson has now been charged, shedding light on the events that led to the fatal incident.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s crash report revealed that the devastating crash occurred just after 1:30 a.m. on Saturday on Route A, located just east of Route C in the remote area of Camden County, approximately 18 miles east of Camdenton.
The Pursuit and Fatal Crash
Officer Carson was on patrol in the early hours of the morning when she spotted a speeding vehicle on westbound Highway 54 near Passover Road. Reacting swiftly, Carson activated her police lights and attempted to pull over the driver, identified as Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, 23. However, instead of complying with Carson’s instructions, Wehmeyer chose to flee, prompting a pursuit.
As the chase continued onto Route A, tragedy struck as Carson’s vehicle began to skid, veering off the road and colliding with a tree before catching fire. Despite her best efforts, Officer Carson tragically perished in the crash at the age of 33, leaving behind a devastated husband and their six children.
Chief Todd Davis of the Osage Police Department expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Officer Carson, emphasizing her dedication to serving and protecting the community since joining the force in June 2023. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face daily in the line of duty.
Driver Charged and Legal Ramifications
Following the fatal crash, Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer was apprehended in the vicinity of Route A and Canary Lane, where he was taken into custody. The Camden County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office wasted no time in levying charges against Wehmeyer, who now faces accusations of resisting arrest by fleeing.
Wehmeyer, now incarcerated without bond, awaits further legal proceedings that could potentially see him facing additional charges under the newly-implemented Valentine’s Law. Prosecuting Attorney Richelle Grosvenor hinted at the possibility of more severe charges being brought against Wehmeyer as the investigation unfolds.
Online Missouri court records reveal Wehmeyer’s prior run-ins with the law, including two misdemeanor convictions for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia in 2019 and charges related to the improper use of a boat in 2022. Despite these offenses, Wehmeyer managed to avoid jail time and instead paid fines for his transgressions.
Community Mourns the Loss of Officer Phylicia Carson
The untimely death of Officer Phylicia Carson has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Osage Beach community, leaving residents and fellow law enforcement officers in mourning. Chief Todd Davis described Carson as a dedicated and compassionate officer who always put the safety of others above her own.
As the community grapples with the loss of a beloved officer, efforts are underway to honor Officer Carson’s memory and support her family during this difficult time. The tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that law enforcement officers make daily to ensure the safety and well-being of their communities.
In conclusion, the fatal crash involving Officer Phylicia Carson and Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in law enforcement and the devastating consequences that can arise from reckless actions. As the legal process unfolds, the community remains united in mourning the loss of a dedicated officer and supporting her grieving family during this challenging time.