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LeFlore County deputy injured in Wister standoff, suspect in custody
A welfare check turned shootout killed Deputy Thomas LeMay and injured a police officer, with suspect Edgar Lara in custody as motive remains under investigation.
- LeFlore County Deputy Thomas "Walker" LeMay was killed on Sunday, April 19, 2026, during a welfare check near Wister, Oklahoma, when 36-year-old Edgar Lara opened fire on responding officers.
- After law enforcement arrived at the residence along U.S. Highway 270, Lara barricaded himself inside and exchanged gunfire with officers for hours before surrendering around 4 p.m. Sunday.
- Wister Police Chief Andy Thompson was injured during the shootout and remains in stable condition at a local hospital; the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is investigating with charges pending.
- A procession of emergency vehicles escorted LeMay's body back to LeFlore County on Monday afternoon as community members lined Broadway Street to honor the fallen deputy.
- Hunter McKee of the OSBI stated, "the community is safe at this time," confirming no other suspects remain, while investigators continue determining the shooting's motivation.
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11 Articles
11 Articles
Suspect allegedly guns down deputy in ambush during routine call that rocked quiet town, police say
An Oklahoma deputy was killed and a police chief wounded after a suspect allegedly opened fire on law enforcement responding to a welfare check near Wister, authorities said.
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·Oklahoma City, United States
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LeFlore County deputy shot, killed in standoff stemming from welfare check
Law enforcement responding early Sunday "were immediately fired upon," the OSBI said. LeFlore County deputy Thomas "Walker" LeMay was struck by the gunfire, in addition to a Wister Police officer.
·Tulsa, United States
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution89% Center
Bias Distribution
- 89% of the sources are Center
89% Center
C 89%
11%
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