Hermann Police Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith was fatally shot and wounded after responding to a disturbance call at a convenience store.

On March 12, 2023 at approximately 9:30 pm, Sergeant Griffith and another officer responded to a disturbance at a Casey's Convenience Store at 811 Market Street in Hermann. When the officers arrived, a suspect fired on the officers resulting in both officers being wounded. One officer was seriously wounded but reported in stable condition. Sergeant Griffith succumbed to his injuries at a Hermann Area Hospital.

The 35 year-old suspect, who fled the scene, had a long criminal history and an outstanding 2022 warrant for failure to appear in court. After a stand-off at a nearby residence the suspect was taken into custody by a Missouri Highway Patrol at 2:00 pm the following day. The suspect was charged with Murder 1st degree, Assault 1st Degree/serious physical injury or special victim, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a firearm.

Sergeant Mason served with the Hermann Police Department for more than 12 years, was the part-time Chief of Police of the Rosebud Police Department and Reserve Deputy Sheriff of the Gasconade County Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his wife, two sons, mother, and father. Visitation was at the Owensville High School. Interred: Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Rosebud.