A Missouri police officer and mother of six is dead after losing control of her patrol car during a high-speed chase over Labor Day Weekend. Phylicia Carson, 33, was on patrol in rural Camden County near the Lake of The Ozarks just before 1:20 a.m. August 31 when she saw a car speeding. When she tried to stop the car, the driver reportedly ignored her flashing lights and continued to drive.
Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, 23, allegedly left the scene and a high-speed chase ensued. Nearly 20 minutes later, responding officers came upon a horrific sight. Carson's patrol car was engulfed in flames, and the mother of six was dead.
More from CafeMom: I Shared on TikTok That My 6 Kids Only Shower Twice a Week & People Lost Their Minds
Wehmeyer led Carson off the highway.
Osage Beach Police Chief Todd Davis said during a news conference that the chase began on Highway 54 in Osage Beach near Passover Road. Wehmeyer allegedly left the highway while speeding and continued driving recklessly in the area.
Carson ultimately lost control of her patrol car and skidded off the road into a tree, per the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Her vehicle burst into flames, and she died at the scene.
Deputies repeatedly tried to contact the police officer.
Davis said Osage Beach Communications was alerted by the Camden County Sheriff's Department responding deputies, who reported a vehicle on fire around 1:36 a.m. Officials attempted to contact Carson, but communication was met with "negative results," Davis said. He added tearfully, "Officer Carson perished in the crash."
Wehmeyer crashed his vehicle and was arrested a short time later.
Minutes later, Osage Beach Police arrived at the scene of a second accident and took Wehmeyer into custody. Prosecutors charged him with resisting arrest by fleeing, resulting in death. Per online jail records, he is in Camden County Jail without bond.
Carson's death comes just three days after Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed Valentine's Law. The new law makes "aggravated fleeing a stop or detention of a motor vehicle" a felony and increases it to a class A felony if a law enforcement officer dies. Wehmeyer could spend 30 years in prison if convicted.
Carson's death saddened the community.
Carson was a mother of six young children, and her untimely death shocked those who loved her.
Calvary Chapel Lake of the Ozarks shared on Facebook, "Many of you know Phylicia Carson as an Osage Beach Police Officer. To us and our church Phylicia was also so much more. She was the woman who would stay up through the night to put up decorations for VBS, set up lesson plans, smile as you walk into Calvary Kids, a selfless friend to so many, a woman who would speak the truth & love of Jesus to anyone, a loving mother to six beautiful children, an amazing wife, and so much more. Our hearts are broken alongside so many at loss of Phylicia this weekend. As Calvary, we ask that you be praying for Grant, the kids, & the whole family in this time."
Friend Ginger Rielly Tabor echoed the sentiment, writing on Facebook, "Hold your loved ones close. You never know when the last time will be. We are so incredibly sad over the loss of Phylicia Carson. She and Grant and their kids have been great friends and my heart just breaks for them."
More from CafeMom: Couple Accidentally Drives Car Into Philadelphia River While 'Getting Busy' Inside
State officials shared their condolences with the family.
Social media was filled with kindness for the family and calls for respect toward law enforcement officers.
Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe posted on X: "Today we mourn the loss of Osage Beach Police Officer Phylicia Carson, who lost her life in the line of duty early this morning. @ClaudiaLKehoe and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Officer Carson's husband, their six children, and her fellow officers. We must remember those in law enforcement who courageously serve their communities despite the threats they face. May Officer Carson never be forgotten."
Governor Mike Parson shared his sadness on Facebook, writing in part, "Law enforcement officers serve our communities every day and are willing to lay down their lives to protect our families. They deserve our respect, none more than Officer Carson. She will not be forgotten."
