The Oklahoma Department of Corrections recently confirmed an unusual event involving an inmate leaning out of a van window on an Oklahoma City interstate. This curious incident occurred last week.
Witnesses, in conversation with affiliate KFOR, reported that it transpired on Tuesday evening. Various online videos depict a handcuffed man with his prison shirt wrapped around his hands. He’s seen gesturing desperately to drivers from a broken rear window of a van, which bears a Department of Corrections license plate.
“Initially, we thought it was a prank,” recounted witness Tiggin Martin. “The situation unfolded quickly, lasting just a couple of minutes before they exited the highway. We were all shocked, saying, ‘Oh, my God!'”
She said her sister Alexis Martin was driving the car at the time of the incident. Alexis Martin told KFOR the situation made her very anxious.
“You’re driving, you’re trying to pay attention to what you’re doing, but you’re kind of like, ‘What is this guy doing?'” said Alexis Martin.
Martin worried the inmate might attempt to jump onto her car or that she could accidentally harm him. When the van left the interstate and they resumed driving, she was surprised that the incident wasn’t being reported outside of social media.
“There was nothing on it, and I was like, that’s crazy,” said Alexis Martin.
Eventually, Martin observed multiple perspectives of the event emerging on social media. While some users questioned if it was real, suggesting it might be a prank or part of a film shoot, authenticity remained a concern.
Upon contacting the Oklahoma Department of Corrections on Friday, KFOR received a statement. The department spokesperson clarified they did not intend to release the inmate’s name, with the statement partly noting:
“During a routine transport, an inmate damaged the vehicle and was seen hanging out the back window. Our officers immediately recognized the situation, exited the highway and called for additional law enforcement support. The inmate was safely secured and transported without further incident. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections remains committed to transparency, accountability and ensuring the safety of all individuals in our care and all Oklahomans.”
Both Martin sisters told KFOR they would like to see something done in the future to make sure a similar incident does not happen.
“You should have had him in something a little safer for him and the person driving and the people around us,” said Alexis Martin.
