In a tragic event, a devoted police officer and devoted mother of six died in a fast-paced chase. When tragedy occurred early on Sunday morning, 33-year-old Phylicia Carson of the Osage Beach Police Department was on duty.
It all started when Officer Carson saw a car driving too fast on a country road close to the Lake of the Ozarks. She turned on her emergency lights and began a pursuit, determined to keep the peace. But the suspect had other ideas and chose to run away.
Officer Carson’s patrol car lost control during the frenzied pursuit, veering off the road and hitting a tree. She was unable to flee because the impact was so strong that the car caught fire. She tragically died in the collision.
After continuing to elude police, the suspect—who was later identified as Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, 23—crash and was taken into custody. Under the direction of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a follow-up investigation is now in progress.
After joining the Osage Beach Police Department in June 2023, Officer Phylicia Carson was a devoted member. This unfathomable death has left her family, friends, and fellow police devastated. Grant Carson, her devoted husband, and their six kids must now deal with the challenge of continuing their lives without her.
Being the first on-duty death in thirty years, this tragic event has had a profound effect on the town and the whole police department. In an impassioned voice, Chief Todd Davis asked everyone to remember and pray for the Carson family, the department, and the community.
Following the terrible news, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe sent condolences to Officer Carson’s family and fellow colleagues in a touching tribute on X. The Lieutenant Governor underlined the need of honoring individuals who continue to serve and protect, as well as the necessity of remembering Officer Phylicia Carson’s sacrifice.
Since then, the suspect has been charged with a number of crimes, including resisting arrest, trying to escape, and killing a police officer. He is still being held without bond at the Camden County Jail while he awaits additional court appearances.
The community’s grief over Officer Carson’s passing serves as a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement personnel encounter on a daily basis while performing their duties. We will always remember and appreciate her for her courage, devotion, and hard work in ensuring the safety of her community. I hope she finds peace.
