Murder charge filed against 'armed and dangerous' suspect in Clinton cop-killing

The shooting death of a Missouri police officer late Sunday night spurred a search for the suspect, who the Missouri State Highway Patrol considers "armed and dangerous."

Hours later, a first-degree murder charge was filed against Ian McCarthy of Clinton, who remains at large and is the subject of an ongoing manhunt in western Missouri. 

Officer Gary Michael, 37, was shot and killed after pulling over a driver near Clinton, a town about 90 miles north of Springfield. 

According to a news release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Michael pulled over a Dodge Nitro for a traffic stop. The release said the suspect got out of the vehicle and started shooting, striking the trooper.

Michael was taken to a Clinton hospital, where he died as a result of his injuries. The vehicle was found crashed against a tree about two blocks away, the Associated Press reported.

Authorities were searching for McCarthy, 39, following Michael's death.

The highway patrol said McCarthy should be considered "armed and dangerous" and urged people with information about his whereabouts to call 911 and avoid contacting him.

Sgt. Bill Lowe with the highway patrol said authorities from multiple agencies were searching Clinton and surrounding Henry County for McCarthy. Authorities have searched his home and have determined the type of weapon used in the shooting, Lowe said, though that information is not being released at this time.

"We're looking at a big search area," Lowe said, adding that due to the hours elapsed since the shooting, McCarthy may still be on foot following the crash of his vehicle or he may have found a ride.

Online court records indicate that McCarthy had a warrant out for his arrest stemming from a previous run-in with the highway patrol. McCarthy was charged in late 2015 with unlawful possession of a firearm, a class C felony, but the warrant was never executed.

The Clinton Police Department posted a statement late Monday in Michael's memory. 

"We are saddened and horrified that Officer Gary Michael has been taken from his family, his department and his community," the department said on Facebook. "His life (was) cut short by the act of a cowardly and evil man. 

"As we search for his killer, we are all reminded of what a good person Gary was and how much he cared about his family and the City of Clinton. We are reminded of his gentle way and how easily he smiled. We have all lost something today. "