A manhunt is underway in Clinton, Missouri after a police officer was shot and killed in what appeared to be a routine traffic stop.

The Missouri Highway Patrol is looking for Ian McCarthy, 39, who they say is the registered owner of the car involved in the stop.

Police say officer Gary Michael, 37, stopped Mr McCarthy’s car for a registration violation late Sunday night. As the officer was exiting his vehicle, the driver got out and shot him, wounding him fatally.

Mr Michael was reportedly able to return fire, but it is not known whether the driver was injured. The driver returned to his car and drove away, but crashed and proceeded to flee on foot. Officers believe the driver is still on foot somewhere in the Clinton area.

Mr Michael was a lifelong resident of Clinton. He is survived by his wife and stepsons.

Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt. Bill Lowe called the incident “devastating" for the family and the close-knit police department.

“[Mr Michael] was heroic right to the end. He was protecting his community,” he said.

Local law enforcement offered their condolences on social media.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Clinton Police Department and the family of P.O. Gary Michael who was shot and killed last night,” tweeted Rich Lockhart, police chief of nearby Warrenburg Police