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 Sunday after a suspect allegedly opened fire on law enforcement responding to a welfare check, authorities said.

The LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to probe the officer-involved shooting, which unfolded around 11 a.m.

near U.S.

Highway 270 in Wister.

Deputies, along with officers from the Wister Police Department and the U.S.

Forest Service, arrived at a residence for a welfare check when they were "immediately fired upon" by a suspect identified as 36-year-old Edgar Lara, according to OSBI.

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Authorities said Lara ultimately surrendered at around 4 p.m.

He was treated for minor injuries and booked into the LeFlore County Jail.

Formal charges are pending through the District 16 District Attorney’s Office.

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"His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his legacy of service and dedication will live on through all of us," the department said, noting his End of Watch as April 19, 2026.

Officials said a patrol vehicle has been placed on the front lawn of the courthouse in LeMay’s honor, with community members invited to leave decorations.

The sheriff’s office also thanked the public and fellow agencies for an outpouring of "love, support, and deep appreciation" and asked for continued prayers for his family, friends and colleagues.

"Blessed are the peacemakers," the statement concluded.

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OSBI said there is no ongoing threat to the public.

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A witness, Robert Linscomb, told KNWA/KFTA he was sitting in traffic nearby when he heard more than a dozen gunshots and backed away from the area.

About two minutes later, he said he heard roughly 15 more shots before a SWAT vehicle arrived.

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Joe Gamaldi, national vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police, described the shooting as a "horrific" ambush and said the "grief is unimaginable" for the deputy’s loved ones.

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The investigation remains ongoing.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the LeFlore County community at this time," OSBI said in a statement.

Multiple agencies assisted in the response, including the Pocola Police Department, Heavener Police Department, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department and others.