Officer Evan Burns was struck and killed by a stolen vehicle while attempting to deploy spike strips during a pursuit.

On August 16, 2011, Deputies from the Pemiscot County Sheriff's Office had begun pursuing a stolen SUV on I-55 that was being driven by a man wanted for an assault. The suspect had attempted to set his stepfather on fire. The vehicle exited at Highway 84 and started driving towards Caruthersville. At shortly after 12:30 am, Officer Burns and another Caruthersville officer began to deploy spike strips on the roadway. When the stolen SUV approached, he struck the first police car injuring the officer, then rammed broadside into Officer Burns' vehicle broadside, killing him.

The driver, Deonta Williams, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, first-degree assault, armed criminal action and arson charges.

Officer Burns had served with the Caruthersville Police Department for two years. He was survived by his 1-year-old son.