Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith killed following shooting in Hermann, suspect Kenneth Simpson at large

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, a police officer who was involved in a shooting on Sunday night has passed away.

The incident occurred at the Casey’s on Market Street in Hermann, Missouri, just before 9:20 p.m. Law enforcement officials have surrounded a residence where the suspect may be present.

In a tweet from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Detective Sgt. Mason Griffith was identified as the officer who was killed.

The second Hermann officer who was shot was taken to a hospital in St. Louis for medical care, according to spokesperson Corporal Kyle Green who spoke with FOX3.

The hospital where the officer is being treated will not be disclosed due to concerns about the officer’s safety.

A spokesperson for the hospital declined to provide any information about the officer’s condition, referring all queries to the Missouri Highway Patrol. Governor Mike Parson tweeted his condolences, saying that Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith of the Hermann Police Department will always be remembered and that the state of Missouri is grateful.

Corporal Green did not specify the location of the officers’ injuries, but stated that the gunshot wounds were severe.

Additionally, Green did not reveal where the second Hermann officer who was shot was taken for medical care.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Kenneth Simpson, aged 35, is accused of shooting two Hermann police officers on Sunday night.

Unfortunately, Detective Sgt. Mason Griffith succumbed to his injuries and passed away. After the shooting, Missouri authorities issued a “Blue Alert” and began searching for Simpson, who reportedly fled the scene.

The suspect is believed to be hiding in a residence in Hermann, Missouri, and police have had the building under siege since early morning.

Kenneth Lee Simpson, who is 35 years old, is described as being approximately 5’10” tall and weighing around 180 pounds. He has hazel eyes and red hair.

Simpson was last seen driving a black 2014 Jeep Wrangler with Missouri license plates RF5A0P. It is uncertain whether Simpson is still in possession of the Jeep, but he fled the scene after the shooting at Casey’s on Market Street in an unknown direction.

Shortly after midnight, police surrounded a residence located on East 11th and Market, but it is unclear whether the suspect is currently inside the building.

Gunshots and shattering glass were heard coming from a second-story window, and a message was conveyed over a loudspeaker, urging the suspect to surrender peacefully.

As a precautionary measure, several schools in the region will remain closed on Monday. In a statement, the Gasconade County R-1 School District stated that the closure was due to an abundance of caution and a desire to ensure the safety of students and staff.