A Missouri police officer was killed in the line of duty Sunday evening while assisting in a mutual aid operation in Mississippi County, according to officials.
Officer Henry Franklin, 41, of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety (SDPS), was fatally shot.
Franklin was killed while helping deputies serve a warrant at a residence.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol identified the suspect as Nathan B. Peters, 36.
Peters was wanted in connection with a homicide earlier that same day.
Barricade and Shootout
According to authorities, Peters barricaded himself inside the residence and opened fire on officers around 7:35 p.m.
Officer Franklin, a member of the SDPS Tactical Team, was struck during the exchange.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop C SWAT Team was later called to the scene.
Law enforcement entered the home just after midnight.
Peters was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Honoring a Fallen Officer
Franklin had served with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety since 2013.
He was also a U.S. Army National Guard veteran.
Franklin was well known in the community as the handler for K-9 Odin, his longtime service partner.
In a statement posted to Facebook, SDPS Director James McMillen said:
“Our department has suffered an unimaginable loss.
“Officer Franklin was not only a dedicated public servant but also a husband, father, son, and brother.
“We ask that you keep Franklin’s family and our department in your prayers as we navigate this difficult time.”
Franklin, a Charleston, Missouri native, is survived by his wife and four children.
Flags At Half-Staff
In honor of Franklin’s sacrifice, Sikeston Mayor Greg Turnbow ordered all flags within the city to be flown at half-staff until his funeral.
The case remains under investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.