Fallen Officer Laid To Rest Sunday

Mason Griffith, the police officer who was fatally wounded in the line of duty March 12, was laid to rest Sunday.

Griffith, 34, was a 2007 Sullivan High School graduate and detective sergeant at the Hermann Police Department, part-time police chief at Rosebud and reserve deputy at the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office.

Griffith’s funeral was held at Owensville High School. More than 100 first responders escorted his body to Rosebud.

Griffith is survived by a wife, two sons, his mother and father.

Griffith and Officer Adam Sullentrup, 31, were allegedly shot by Kenneth L. Simpson, 35, who was wanted on outstanding warrants from Franklin and Warren counties.

Simpson has been charged with first-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, first-degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Simpson was arraigned March 15 and he has pleaded not guilty.

He is being held without bond.

Around 9:06 p.m., Griffith and Sullentrup arrived at the Casey’s General Store in Hermann to take Simpson into custody.

An altercation ensued and both officers were shot.

Griffith was transported to Hermann Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Sullentrup was taken to a St. Louis-area hospital for treatment. He is in critical, but stable condition.

Officers narrowed the search for Simpson down to a residence near the scene in Hermann.

A perimeter was established around the home and the Missouri Highway Patrol’s SWAT team responded.

At 1:49 p.m. on March 13, Simpson surrendered and was taken into custody.

He is being held at the Crawford County Jail.

Court documents allege that Simpson planned to die by committing “suicide by cop”

Griffith and Sullentrup approached Simpson and asked for identification.

He told them he had none and claimed his name was Kevin, later changing it to Justin.

Sullentrup went to his patrol car, returned with a photo of Simpson and showed it to him. Simpson continued to deny it was him.

Griffith grabbed his handcuffs and told Simpson he was under arrest.

Simpson allegedly began to back away. He is said to have grabbed a pistol and fired at the officers, striking both of them.

Griffith returned fire, with Simpson maneuvering around the store and still shooting.