In a deeply tragic and unexpected incident, the community is mourning the loss of Officer Phylicia Carson—a devoted mother of six and a respected member of the Osage Beach Police Department—who died in the line of duty.
The heartbreaking event unfolded in Camden County, near Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks, during what began as a routine patrol.
A high-speed chase stemming from a traffic stop spiraled into catastrophe, prompting serious questions about how the situation escalated and what consequences the involved driver will face.
Officer Carson, a dedicated law enforcement officer and family woman, was performing her duties on August 31, 2024, when she identified a vehicle traveling at a high speed along a rural stretch of road.
Acting in line with her responsibilities, she activated her patrol lights in an effort to conduct a traffic stop. However, the situation quickly took a dangerous turn when the driver refused to comply and instead accelerated, initiating a pursuit.
According to Osage Beach Police Chief Todd Davis, Officer Carson engaged in pursuit of the fleeing vehicle. Tragically, during the chase, her patrol car veered off the roadway, struck a tree, and caught fire. Despite the swift response of emergency personnel, Officer Carson was pronounced dead at the scene. Chief Davis expressed deep sorrow over the loss, urging the public to support the Carson family, their police department, and the broader community through this time of grief.
The suspect in the incident, identified as 23-year-old Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, also crashed a short distance away along State Highway A.
He was taken into custody and now faces serious legal repercussions. Authorities have charged him with aggravated fleeing from law enforcement, resulting in death—a charge that reflects the gravity of the loss suffered by the Carson family and community. He remains detained in the Camden County Jail without bond as the case proceeds.
Camden County Prosecuting Attorney Richelle Grosvenor assured the public that her office is committed to pursuing justice: “The facts will be carefully examined, and we will proceed with the appropriate charges, using all resources available to ensure accountability,” she stated.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol joined the chorus of condolences, offering a heartfelt message on social media: “On behalf of Colonel Eric T. Olson and the entire Missouri State Highway Patrol, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Osage Beach Police Officer Phylicia Carson, who lost her life in the line of duty this morning.”
The impact of Officer Carson’s death has been profound. She leaves behind a husband, six children, fellow officers, and a grieving community. Her passing is not just a personal tragedy but a powerful reminder of the real dangers faced by police officers every day. In the days since the incident, local residents, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders have come together to pay tribute to her service and sacrifice.
As the legal process unfolds, Officer Carson’s loved ones and colleagues are left to cope with their loss and honor the memory of a woman who served with courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Her name and legacy will remain etched in the hearts of those who knew her and in the history of the department she served so faithfully.
Officer Carson’s story is a painful but necessary reminder of the human cost of public service. In her memory, her community stands united—mourning her loss, honoring her life, and committing to never forget the sacrifice she made in service to others.