Two deputies from the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office were shot while they were serving eviction papers on Monday. The suspect fled in a truck before surrendering at the entrance to Tinker Air Force Base, officials said.
Also read: Colony Square, Atlanta shooting suspect in custody: All we know so far
Talking to reporters, Oklahoma County Sheriff Tommie Johnson said that the deputies first made contact with an individual at the front door.
“They went around to the back door and that’s when the shooting began, shot the first deputy. The second deputy tried to get that deputy out of the way… of gunfire, and then he was struck as well,” Johnson said.
Also read: Usher announces new dates for 2023 Las Vegas residency: All you need to know
The sheriff was visibly emotional. He choked up saying, “My deputies are here at the hospital. Just praying for them. Praying for their families.”
Both deputies were rushed to local hospitals for treatment and suffered serious injuries. The suspect fled in a truck and exchanged gunfire with officers from the Oklahoma City Police Department during the chase.
Also read: TikTok releases plan to fight US midterm election misinformation
He eventually dropped a rifle out of his window and surrendering at the entrance to Tinker Air Force Base, which is about 10 miles east of where the shooting took place.
“This was about as routine as it gets. These guys, what they do is they do lockouts and serve papers and that’s pretty much all they do, and they do it extraordinarily well,” Sheriff’s Office spokesman Aaron Brilbeck told reporters.
Also read: Georgia Sheriff faces lawsuit from family of woman killed in drug raid
“Please avoid the Tinker main gate on S. Air Depot Blvd as both inbound and outbound lanes are currently closed due to an off-base incident. All traffic will be redirected to Vance (Sooner Road) gate,” Tinker AFB tweeted.
Also read: Who was Kiely Rodni, California teen went missing after party at Sierra Nevada?
Authorities have not released the deputies’ names yet. Police took the suspect to the hospital. They do not believe he was shot.
The Oklahoma City Police Department said it will not release the suspect’s name until Tuesday.