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In a tragic incident on Sunday, an Oklahoma deputy lost his life and a police chief sustained injuries when a suspect allegedly fired at officers during a welfare check, officials reported.
The LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office has called upon the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to look into the officer-involved shooting that took place around 11 a.m. near U.S. Highway 270 in Wister.
Officers from the LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office, Wister Police Department, and the U.S. Forest Service had arrived at a residence to conduct a welfare check. Upon arrival, they were reportedly met with gunfire from 36-year-old Edgar Lara, as stated by the OSBI.
A fierce exchange of gunshots ensued, with Lara barricading himself inside the home, leading to a tense standoff that extended over several hours. Reinforcements, including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, were dispatched to the scene to provide support.
Authorities have identified Edgar Lara as the individual accused of this violent attack on law enforcement officers in LeFlore County, Oklahoma.
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.
During the incident, a LeFlore County sheriff’s deputy and Wister Police Chief Andy Thompson were both injured, according to KNWA/KFTA. The deputy, identified as Deputy Thomas “Walker” LeMay, later died from his injuries, while Thompson was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
Deputy Thomas “Walker” LeMay was killed in the line of duty after a suspect opened fire during a welfare check in LeFlore County, Oklahoma, officials said. (LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office)
The LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office announced LeMay’s death in a statement, saying it was shared “with a heavy heart and great sadness” and describing him as “a true servant of the people” and a “loving son, brother, and father.”
“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.
The Poteau Police Department invited the public to line the streets in a show of support as LeMay was escorted home, calling him “a brother, a friend, and a dedicated servant” to the community.
The District 16 District Attorney’s Office told Fox News Digital the case is being handled by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and declined to comment further. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that the suspect is a U.S. citizen.
Wister Police Chief Andy Thompson was injured during the LeFlore County shooting and taken to a hospital in stable condition, according to KNWA/KFTA. (Town of Wister)
OSBI said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
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.
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.
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.