Leflore County Sheriff identifies deputy killed in eastern Oklahoma ambush
By Addison Kliewer
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Oklahoma (KOCO) — A deputy killed in an eastern Oklahoma ambush was identified on Monday.
The LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Deputy Thomas “Walker” LeMay died on Sunday while conducting a welfare check at a home along U.S. Highway 720 near Wister. An officer with the Wister Police Department was also injured in the shooting.
OSBI officials said someone opened fire on law enforcement, and officers returned fire. The gunfight lasted for hours before the suspect finally surrendered around 4 p.m. Sunday.
LeMay was pronounced dead on the scene, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. The police officer was taken to a hospital in stable condition.
The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Edgar Lara, was treated for minor injuries and booked into the LeFlore County Jail.
LeMay was a father to “his most precious baby girl,” according to the sheriff’s office.
LeMay’s patrol vehicle was placed on the front lawn of the LeFlore County courthouse for anyone wishing to honor him with decorations.
“During this horrendous incident, this office has been shown great love, support, and deep appreciation from our community, neighboring law enforcement agencies, and citizens as a whole. Your prayers, kind words, and acts of service have not gone unnoticed, and we are truly grateful during this difficult time,” the sheriff’s office said. “We ask that you continue to keep Deputy LeMay’s family, friends, and brothers and sisters in blue in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the days ahead. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his legacy of service and dedication will live on through all of us.”
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