Caruthersville Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch: Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 46
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: August 16, 2011
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Charged with murder
Patrolman Evan Burns was struck and killed by a stolen vehicle while attempting to deploy spike strips during a pursuit shortly after 12:30 am.
Deputies from the Pemiscot County Sheriff's Office had started pursuing a stolen SUV on I-55 that was being driven by a man wanted for an assault. The vehicle exited at Highway 84 and started driving towards Caruthersville.
Patrolman Burns and another officer began to setup spike strips on the roadway. When the stolen vehicle approached, the driver struck the first police car, injuring the officer, and then rammed the SUV broadside into Patrolman Burns' vehicle, killing him.
The driver was arrested and faces murder and assault charges.
Patrolman Burns had served with the Caruthersville Police Department for two years. He is survived by his 1-year-old son.