Tahlequah Police Release Video In Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting
Tahlequah, OK – Tahlequah Police released body cam footage from an officer involved in a fatal shooting Saturday, June 27, 2015.
Tahlequah Police Chief Nate King called a news conference to release video from the shooting and update the public on the investigation into the death of 35-year-old Joshua Crittenden.
King identified the officer involved as a 15-year veteran of the force, Officer Randy Tanner.
The video shows officers responding to a fight with weapons in progress. We’re told Tanner did not have his body camera activated, and the video released is from one of the other police officers who were called to the 500 block of South Mission.
Police say Crittenden and another man were arguing, and Crittenden ran to a nearby house when he saw police. They say the Tahlequah man was shot when he came out of the home and pointed a handgun at Tanner.
King said his department is trying to be as transparent as possible in the shooting.
He also said his officers were deeply affected by the shooting that took place in the small town.
“I knew Joshua Crittenden personally,” King said. “I know his father.
“This is a tragedy in Tahlequah. A man lost his life, and officers who were involved in this – I, myself – will never be the same the rest of our lives,” he said. “These officers will forever carry this with them.”
A second man was taken into custody in the incident. Benjamin P. Brown had several outstanding felony warrants in Cherokee County, according to police.
Tanner, who was not injured, was placed on routine leave during the investigation.