Phelps County sheriff’s deputy dies in car crash

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Phelps County Sheriff's Office said one of its deputies died in a car crash on Monday.

The sheriff's office said on Facebook that Carold "Junie" Roberts died in a Texas County crash. Roberts worked at the Shannon County Sheriff's Office and Aurora Police Department before joining Phelps County, the post said.

A Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report shows a deadly single-vehicle crash in Texas County at 7:54 p.m. on Highway 17 near Summersville. The patrol report said the car went off the right side of the road, overcorrected and hit a tree on the left side of the road. The report said the driver was not wearing a seatbelt.

Phelps County Sheriff Michael Kirn noted Roberts's professionalism and military service in the Marine Corps.

"The loss of one of our own is felt throughout our entire law enforcement family and the community we serve," Kirn said. "Deputy Roberts dedicated his life to serving others, both as a Marine and as a law enforcement officer. His character, dedication, and service will never be forgotten. We ask everyone to keep his family, friends, and fellow deputies in their thoughts and prayers."

Sgt. Paul Hernandez of the National City Police Department in California told ABC 17 News that his agency helped notify Roberts' family of the death.