An Oklahoma City Police Officer, identified as Shamar Kitchens, 23, was taken into custody on Saturday on allegations that include first-degree rape, forcible sodomy, and additional charges, as reported by KFOR. The Canadian County Sheriff's Office detailed that Kitchens face accusations of rape by instrumentation, pointing a firearm, domestic assault and battery, and threats to perform an act of violence. Information from the Sheriff’s Office indicates that Kitchens, who was booked into the Canadian County Jail around noon on Saturday, posted bond and was released the following afternoon.
While the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) was involved in the arrest, further details regarding the circumstances that led to Kitchens’ charges were not immediately available, with expectations they would come to light at the start of the workweek. KFOR notes the bond posted for Kitchens' release was $66,000. Attempts to quickly get comment from OKCPD were deferred due to the weekend schedule.
OKC Fox also confirms the arrest and charges against Kitchens, highlighting the serious nature of the crimes he is accused of. This arrest raises concerns about the people sworn to protect the community and how such allegations, if proven true, may erode public trust in law enforcement.
According to The Oklahoman, Capt. Valerie Littlejohn, a spokesperson with the Oklahoma City Police Department, confirmed that Kitchens was hired in January 2023. Despite not typically naming individuals not formally charged, The Oklahoman has named Kitchens due to the widespread reporting by other media outlets. Kitchens has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations.
