Law enforcement officers responding to a welfare check near U.S. Highway 270 in Wister, Oklahoma, were allegedly ambushed by 36-year-old Edgar Lara. Deputy Thomas "Walker" LeMay later died from his injuries and Wister Police Chief Andy Thompson was hospitalized in stable condition. Lara barricaded himself in the home, exchanged gunfire, and surrendered about five hours after the incident began; he was treated for minor injuries and booked. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is leading the probe and officials say there is no ongoing public threat.
Oklahoma Deputy Fatally Shot, Police Chief Wounded in Alleged Ambush During Welfare Check
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 after a suspect allegedly opened fire on law enforcement officers who were responding to a routine welfare check near U.S. Highway 270 in Wister, authorities said.
Edgar Lara, 36, is accused of opening fire on law enforcement during a welfare check in LeFlore County, Oklahoma, authorities said.(Fox News)
The LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office asked the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to lead the probe into the officer-involved shooting, which began at about 11 a.m. Deputies, officers from the Wister Police Department and personnel from the U.S. Forest Service arrived at a residence and, according to OSBI, were "immediately fired upon" by a suspect identified as 36-year-old Edgar Lara.
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.
An exchange of gunfire followed after the suspect barricaded himself inside the home, triggering a standoff that lasted several hours. Additional agencies, including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Pocola Police Department, Heavener Police Department and the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, responded to assist on scene.
Wister Police Chief Andy Thompson was injured during the LeFlore County shooting and taken to a hospital in stable condition, according to KNWA/KFTA.
Authorities said Lara surrendered at about 4 p.m. He was treated for minor injuries, booked into the LeFlore County Jail and remains in custody while formal charges are being prepared through the District 16 District Attorney’s Office. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed the suspect is a U.S. citizen. OSBI said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Victims and Community Response
During the encounter, LeFlore County Deputy Thomas "Walker" LeMay was seriously wounded and later died from his injuries. Wister Police Chief Andy Thompson was also injured and was transported to a hospital in stable condition, according to local reporting.
The LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office announced LeMay’s death in a statement, describing him as "a true servant of the people" and "a loving son, brother, and father," and listed his End of Watch as April 19, 2026. As a tribute, a patrol vehicle was placed on the courthouse lawn and the public was invited to leave decorations. The Poteau Police Department organized an escort and asked residents to line the streets to pay their respects as LeMay was returned home.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. A nearby motorist, Robert Linscomb, told local media he heard more than a dozen shots, then roughly 15 additional shots before a SWAT vehicle arrived. Joe Gamaldi, national vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police, called the attack a "horrific" ambush and said the grief for the deputy's loved ones is "unimaginable." OSBI reiterated that the investigation is ongoing and offered condolences to the LeFlore County community.
Statement: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the LeFlore County community at this time," OSBI said.
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