Residents turn out to support wounded deputy

Friday, September 13, 2019
Students from East Carter School District wait for Deputy Brigg Pierson to arrive home.
DAR/Paul Davis

Residents in Carter County have turned out to support one of their own today.

Brigg Pierson, a deputy wounded Aug. 16 in the line of duty, returned home today from a St. Louis hospital.

Students from East Carter School District came out around 2:30 p.m. to show their support, with special drawings. They were joined by other community members.

Pierson and his family were expected to travel to Van Buren after Ellsinore, and receive the same reception there.

Carter County Sheriff Rick Stephens asked the public to show up today and show their support.

Deputy Brigg Pierson

Pierson was shot multiple times Aug. 16 while attempting to serve an eviction notice in rural Van Buren. He has spent the last weeks in a St. Louis hospital recovering from his wounds.

“Come out and welcome Brigg home!” he said in a Facebook request.

James D. Cummings of Van Buren is accused of shooting at law enforcement officers.

The shots also injured Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Caleb McCoy. McCoy, according to earlier reports, was able to retreat on his own, while Pierson was assisted away by the other deputy and a trooper.

Pierson was shot multiple times in the chest, groin and leg, while McCoy was shot once in the chest. Both were wearing ballistic vests.

Pierson was flown from the scene to a St. Louis hospital. McCoy was treated and released the same day from an area hospital.

Cummings remains in custody. The 31-year-old was booked in the Butler County jail on four Class A felonies of first-degree assault and four unclassified felonies of armed criminal action. He is being held without bond.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: