Shortly after midnight on July 2, a quiet stretch of rural Osage County south of Rock School Road outside Pawhuska turned into a crime scene after reports of gunfire sent deputies racing to the area. Authorities say the confrontation broke out as people were leaving a residence and, despite shots being fired, no one was hurt. A short time later, deputies found a man walking along Rock School Road and arrested him, recovering a loaded handgun from his person.
What deputies say happened
According to the Osage County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched to the area of Valley Road south of Rock School Road near Sand Springs after callers reported shots fired. Investigators say the shooting followed an altercation involving the suspect, his former girlfriend and another individual. Officials note that the case is still active and the full sequence of events remains under investigation.
Arrest and weapon recovered
As reported by KFOR, deputies located the suspect walking on Rock School Road and took him into custody without incident. A search turned up a loaded Taurus G2C 9mm handgun, and a records check showed the weapon had been reported stolen out of Catoosa, Oklahoma.
Booking and allegations
The man was booked into the Osage County Jail on allegations tied to the reported shooting and possession of a stolen firearm, and investigators say additional charges could be on the table as they work the case. The county inmate roster lists a William Newton Canida as booked in the early hours of July 2, 2026; this is an arrest, not a conviction, and the investigation remains ongoing, according to Osage County.
Authorities urge caution
Sheriff's officials say the case is a stark reminder of how quickly domestic and relationship-related disputes can escalate when a gun is involved, and they praised responding deputies for resolving the situation without anyone being injured, according to reporting by KFOR. Detectives are still gathering statements and evidence, and anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Osage County Sheriff's Office.
