TVLSE, Oklahoma – An armed suspect was killed in the early morning of New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, after a police vehicle pursuit. The incident began when a Lighthorse Police officer pulled over the suspect for a routine traffic stop at 81st and South Riverside. Lighthorse officers were able to return home with no injuries. It ended with the suspect’s death.
According to a Tulsa Police Department press release, Tulsa Police Dispatch received a call for assistance from a Lighthorse Police Officer at approximately 3:29 a.m. A pursuit ensued.
According to MCN Press Secretary Jason Salsman, both TPD and Lighthorse officers took fire from the suspect during the pursuit.
The report says the suspect continued to flee in their vehicle until TPD officers successfully used a tire deflation device or a “Stop Stick .”As a result, the suspects’ tires deflated as they pulled into the Rose Hill Cemetery at 4161 E. Admiral Pl.
After coming to a stop, the suspect emerged from the vehicle wielding a semi-automatic pistol and a short pistol grip pump shotgun. After the suspect ignored commands from officers, members of the Tulsa Police Department and Lighthorse fired their weapons at the armed suspect, striking the man.
Officers administered first aid at the scene, but the suspect died from his wounds. No officers involved were harmed.
At this time, the identity of the suspect and the Lighthorse Police officer involved has not been revealed. The suspects’ status as a tribal or nontribal citizen has yet to be determined.
Salsman asked others for sympathy for all involved, including those who were not directly involved but were still affected.
“I ask for prayers for the victim’s family but also for the law enforcement officers that deal with the traumatic situation,” Salsman said. “It’s a hard part of the job. For them, it’s probably the worst part of the job.”
The Lighthorse officer and the TPD officer involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave per both departments’ policies. The incident is currently under a pending investigation.
