TULSA, Okla. — A chaotic scene in downtown Tulsa early Sunday resulted in one fatality and several injuries following a police confrontation. The Tulsa Police Department responded to an escalating situation involving a large crowd around 12:30 a.m. near East 2nd Street and South Elgin Avenue.
Initially, officers were present when disturbances began to erupt among the assembled crowd. As tensions mounted, additional officers were dispatched to the area. A physical altercation soon turned violent, leading to gunfire from multiple individuals within the group.
Police reported witnessing an individual firing into the crowd. In response, officers pursued the suspect, who was armed with a semi-automatic pistol. During the chase, officers discharged their weapons, striking the suspect as he fled.
As officers attempted to provide medical assistance to the injured suspect on the ground, the shooting continued nearby. Another individual, also wielding a semi-automatic firearm, posed an ongoing threat. Officers, assessing the situation from a different position, engaged this second suspect and fired, believing him to be a danger to their safety and that of others.
The second suspect, identified as 21-year-old Thurman Wilson, succumbed to his injuries at the scene despite efforts to revive him. Meanwhile, reports indicated that at least five bystanders sustained injuries from the crossfire, with varying severity. Fortunately, none have died from their wounds as of the latest updates.
Authorities are investigating the possibility of additional victims, as the chaotic scene led to confusion and potential missed counts. The Tulsa Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit has recovered multiple firearms, along with spent casings, from the area. Notably, some gunfire struck nearby buildings, prompting police to coordinate with business owners regarding property damages.
In the wake of the shooting, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, a standard protocol in such critical incidents. The evidence collected from the scene will be submitted to the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office, which is expected to review the officers’ actions as part of the ongoing investigation.
As investigators continue to gather information, the community remains on alert, grappling with the ramifications of the violence that erupted in their downtown area. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.