Incident
Patrolman Evan Burns was struck and killed by a stolen vehicle while attempting to deploy spike strips during a pursuit shortly after 12:30 am.
Deputies from the Pemiscot County Sheriff's Office had started pursuing a stolen SUV on I-55 that was being driven by a man wanted for an assault. The vehicle exited at Highway 84 and started driving towards Caruthersville.
Patrolman Burns and another officer began to setup spike strips on the roadway. When the stolen vehicle approached, the driver struck the first police car, injuring the officer, and then rammed the SUV broadside into Patrolman Burns' vehicle, killing him.
The driver was arrested and faces murder and assault charges.
Patrolman Burns had served with the Caruthersville Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He is survived by his 1-year-old son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MO-96449716- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Burns gave the Caruthersville Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Caruthersville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Burns.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Evan Donald Burns is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MO, 516 of 813 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.5% of this state's fallen. That is 9.3 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Caruthersville Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Evan Donald Burns's cause is highlighted.
How Evan Donald Burns Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Evan Donald Burns is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Evan Donald Burns was killed by automobile.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Caruthersville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.