Oklahoma Deputy Killed And Police Chief Wounded In Welfare Check Ambush
An Oklahoma deputy was killed and a police chief wounded in an ambush during a recent welfare check, police say.
Authorities say the attack happened in a normally quiet Oklahoma town and surprised officers responding to a routine welfare call. The suspect allegedly opened fire on contact, killing the deputy and injuring the police chief, who was taken to a hospital with nonfatal wounds, officials said.
Investigators said they are searching for a motive, speaking with witnesses and securing the scene as the inquiry continues. The ambush has left the small community reeling, according to police, who urged anyone with information to come forward.
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đ Key Facts
- Shooting occurred around 11 a.m. April 19, 2026, near U.S. Highway 270 in Wister, Oklahoma
- Deputy Thomas "Walker" LeMay was killed and Wister Police Chief Andy Thompson wounded
- Suspect Edgar Lara, 36, allegedly opened fire during a welfare check, then surrendered after a multi-hour standoff
- Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is investigating and Lara is jailed with charges pending from District 16 prosecutors
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