SD. MISSOURI TRAGEDY — POLICE OFFICER KILLED WHILE SERVING WARRANT; SUSPECT FOUND DEAD, OFFICIALS CONFIRM
🚨 MISSOURI POLICE OFFICER KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY WHILE SERVING WARRANT; SUSPECT FOUND DEAD 💔
MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, Mo. — A Missouri police officer has been killed in the line of duty while assisting in a mutual aid operation in Mississippi County, officials confirmed Tuesday.
Officer Henry Franklin, 41, of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety (SDPS), was fatally shot on October 6 while helping the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office serve a warrant at a local residence.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the warrant was for Nathan B. Peters, 36, who was wanted in connection with a homicide that occurred earlier that same day.
⚠️ A Deadly Confrontation
In a statement posted to the SDPS Facebook page, officials said Franklin — a member of the department’s Tactical Team — had responded as part of a mutual aid request to help locate and apprehend Peters.
Authorities said Peters barricaded himself inside the home and opened fire on officers shortly after 7:35 p.m., striking Franklin during the exchange.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop C SWAT Team was later called to assist in the standoff. When officers entered the residence around 12:35 a.m. Tuesday, Peters was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
💔 Remembering Officer Henry Franklin
Officer Franklin had served with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety since June 2013, and was a veteran of the Army National Guard. Within the community, he was widely recognized as the handler of K-9 Odin, his trusted canine partner and constant companion on duty.
“Our department has suffered an unimaginable loss,” SDPS Director James McMillen said in a statement.
“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.”
🕯️ A Community in Mourning
Flags in Sikeston and across Mississippi County are being lowered to half-staff as the community mourns the loss of a man remembered for his courage, integrity, and devotion to service.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Officer Henry Franklin leaves behind his wife, children, and an entire department grieving the sacrifice of one of their own — a hero who gave everything in the line of duty.
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