Gunfire turned a southwest Oklahoma City neighborhood into an active crime scene Wednesday evening as officers searched yards and streets for a suspect who traded shots with police. The officer involved was not hit, and investigators were still trying to determine whether the suspect was wounded. Patrol cars blocked off nearby roads while detectives worked to reconstruct the encounter.
What Police Say
Around 6 p.m., the Oklahoma City Police Department said officers were responding to a reported shooting near Southwest 96th Street and South Pennsylvania Avenue. During that response, a suspect and an officer exchanged gunfire, but the officer was not struck. As of Wednesday night, officers were still combing the area and it remained unclear whether the suspect had been hit, according to KOCO.
How The Probe Will Proceed
Any time an Oklahoma City officer is involved in a shooting, the department launches parallel criminal and administrative investigations, according to city policy. Detectives secure body-worn camera footage and other scene evidence while internal reviewers examine whether the officer followed department procedures, the City of Oklahoma City explains.
Once investigators have gathered key facts, the Office of Media Relations typically releases a Community Incident Briefing to summarize what is known and share relevant video clips with the public.
Local Context
This stretch of South Pennsylvania Avenue has already seen serious violence this year. In February, Hoodline reported that a man was found shot inside an apartment near Southwest 36th Street and South Pennsylvania Avenue. That earlier case is still under investigation.
How To Report Tips
Police are asking anyone with information about Wednesday’s shooting to call the OKCPD Homicide Tip Line at 405-297-1200. If there is an immediate threat to safety, officers say to call 911. The department also issues public bulletins and posts briefing videos as cases move forward, according to the Oklahoma City Police Department. This story will be updated as officials release more details.
