Blue Alert issued after armed man flees traffic stop in southeast Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued a Blue Alert Sunday morning for a 42-year-old Caruthersville man who is allegedly armed and dangerous.

BLUE alert 2026-7 pic.twitter.com/mMbt6HFZFC

— Missouri State Highway Patrol Alerts (@MSHPAlerts) May 17, 2026

At around 2:10 a.m., deputies said Zachary Walker shot at Caruthersville Police during a traffic stop and fled the scene. Walker is believed to have been injured when officers fired back and may have a gunshot wound.

Walker is a 5' 9" tall white man with blue eyes, partially grey hair and tattoos, according to MSHP. He weighs 180 pounds and was last seen wearing a navy t-shirt with a design, dark shorts and black lace-up boots. He is carrying a rifle and a handgun, the alert says.

The alert did not provide any vehicle information or specify what direction Walker was headed.

Any information on Walker should be reported to 911 or local law enforcement.