An Oklahoma sheriff’s deputy lost his life and a police chief was injured on Sunday when a suspect allegedly opened fire as officers conducted a welfare check, officials reported.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has been called in by the LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the shooting involving law enforcement. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. near U.S. Highway 270 in Wister.
According to the OSBI, deputies, along with Wister Police Department officers and the U.S. Forest Service, went to a home for a welfare check. Upon arrival, they were “immediately fired upon” by 36-year-old Edgar Lara.
A gunfight ensued as Lara barricaded himself inside the residence, leading to a standoff that persisted for several hours. The situation prompted additional support from various law enforcement agencies, including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Edgar Lara, aged 36, is accused of shooting at officers during a welfare check in LeFlore County, Oklahoma, officials said. (OSBI)
Authorities stated that Lara eventually surrendered around 4 p.m. He received treatment for minor injuries and was taken to the LeFlore County Jail. The District 16 District Attorney’s Office is expected to file formal charges.
During the incident, a LeFlore County sheriff’s deputy and Wister Police Chief Andy Thompson were both injured, according to KNWA/KFTA. The deputy, identified as Deputy Thomas “Walker” LeMay, later died from his injuries, while Thompson was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
Deputy Thomas “Walker” LeMay was killed in the line of duty after a suspect opened fire during a welfare check in LeFlore County, Oklahoma, officials said. (LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office)
The LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office announced LeMay’s death in a statement, saying it was shared “with a heavy heart and great sadness” and describing him as “a true servant of the people” and a “loving son, brother, and father.”
“His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his legacy of service and dedication will live on through all of us,” the department said, noting his End of Watch as April 19, 2026.
Officials said a patrol vehicle has been placed on the front lawn of the courthouse in LeMay’s honor, with community members invited to leave decorations.
The sheriff’s office also thanked the public and fellow agencies for an outpouring of “love, support, and deep appreciation” and asked for continued prayers for his family, friends and colleagues.
“Blessed are the peacemakers,” the statement concluded.
The Poteau Police Department invited the public to line the streets in a show of support as LeMay was escorted home, calling him “a brother, a friend, and a dedicated servant” to the community.
The District 16 District Attorney’s Office told Fox News Digital the case is being handled by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and declined to comment further. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that the suspect is a U.S. citizen.
Wister Police Chief Andy Thompson was injured during the LeFlore County shooting and taken to a hospital in stable condition, according to KNWA/KFTA. (Town of Wister)
OSBI said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
A witness, Robert Linscomb, told KNWA/KFTA he was sitting in traffic nearby when he heard more than a dozen gunshots and backed away from the area. About two minutes later, he said he heard roughly 15 more shots before a SWAT vehicle arrived.
Joe Gamaldi, national vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police, described the shooting as a “horrific” ambush and said the “grief is unimaginable” for the deputy’s loved ones.
The investigation remains ongoing.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the LeFlore County community at this time,” OSBI said in a statement.
Multiple agencies assisted in the response, including the Pocola Police Department, Heavener Police Department, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department and others.
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