Recently uncovered video footage and further investigation into an altercation in Norman, Oklahoma, has turned the case on its head, contradicting original reports and public statements regarding the events on the 500 block of Buchanan Avenue. The Norman Police Department released a new statement on September 20, which paints a markedly different picture of the incident that took place on September 15, according to the City of Norman press release.
The video evidence contradicts prior claims made to the local media and police, instead showing a bilateral physical altercation between two individuals. Initial reports incorrectly identified the reporting party as the victim; however, the video shows this individual to be the primary aggressor engaged in mutual combat. The investigation revealed that no other persons were involved, and no weapons were used, as per the City of Norman.
In the Norman Police Department's statement, they also corrected misconceptions about the police response to the incident. The video confirms that officers arrived on scene within minutes and that the reporting party, contrary to earlier accounts, drove past several officers without attempting to make contact before leaving. After making contact with the reporting party at the hospital, the officers conducted an interview to gather more information about the event, as reported by the City of Norman.
There were initial concerns that the altercation might have been a hate crime or robbery, however, according to the findings, these allegations do not hold up. Following a thorough review of the evidence associated with the investigation by the Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office, it was concluded that the incident did not warrant criminal charges and was instead deemed mutual combat. Unless new evidence comes forth, the investigation has been declared closed.
