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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
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Caruthersville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Evan is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 remembered there.
Evan is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Evan is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2011, 2 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 2011, 88 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2011, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Evan was 28. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Evan had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Evan was 28. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Evan had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Evan was 28. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Evan had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 6.5% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Tuesdays: 14.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Caruthersville Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Caruthersville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Evan among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Caruthersville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
