Oklahoma Deputy Killed, Police Chief Injured During Welfare Check Shootout

An Oklahoma deputy was killed and a police chief was injured Sunday in an exchange of gunfire during well-being check.

The deadly shooting happened at around 11 a.m. when LeFlore County Sheriff's Deputy Thomas "Walker" LeMay and Wister Police Chief Andy Thompson, along with the U.S. Forest Service, were among those sent to a home near Wister to conduct a welfare check, KHBS-TV reports. When they reached the residence, the law enforcement officers encountered shooting from an armed suspect, identified as Edgar Lara, before returning fire.

LeMay and Thompson were struck during the shootout. LeMay was pronounced dead at the scene, and Thompson was rushed to the hospital in stable condition. 

After police returned fire, Lara retreated and barricaded himself inside the home. A standoff lasted hours before Lara surrendered at about 4 p.m.

Lana suffered minor injuries during the incident. He was treated before being booked into LeFlore County Jail.

"(LeMay) was a true servant of the people, a loving son, brother, and father to his most precious baby girl," the sheriff's office stated in a social media post.

"His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his legacy of service and dedication will live on through all of us," the sheriff's office added.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is handling the case. It's unclear what led to the call concerning a welfare check or why Lana opened fire. 

“An exact motive behind (the shooting), I don’t think we have that,” OSBI spokeperson Hunter McKee told KHBS.

Members of the sheriff's office, along with other area law enforcement agencies, escorted LeMay's body through Poteau, according to KHBS.

A patrol vehicle memorial has been set up on the front lawn of the LeFlore County Courthouse, the sheriff's office stated. Community members have been invited to leave decorations in honor of LeMay.

"During this horrendous incident, this office has been shown great love, support, and deep appreciation from our community, neighboring law enforcement agencies, and citizens as a whole," the agency stated. "Your prayers, kind words, and acts of service have not gone unnoticed, and we are truly grateful during this difficult time."

On Monday, state lawmakers representing LeFlore County and Wister offered their condolences to LeMay's family. Reps. Eddy Dempsey, Tim Turner and Rick West released a joint statement honoring the slain deputy, and Dempsey asked for a moment of silence on the House floor.

"We know especially that these families are hurting as is the law enforcement community that served alongside this deputy who was killed and the police chief who was wounded," the statement said. "It's sad that our law enforcement have to risk their lives to keep the rest of us safe, but we're grateful for their bravery and faithfulness to perform their duties. This sacrifice will not be forgotten."

Gov. Kevin Stitt was expected to order flags flown at half-staff to honor LeMay, according to West.