May 15, 2023
By Jared Atha
An incident that began as a pursuit and search for a man in Elk City ended south of Canute Friday afternoon when the man crashed and threatened officers with a gun.
Officers initially began looking for the man after reports indicated that he made threats at a local car dealership in southeast Elk City.
Sources tell Paragon Communications that the man was attempting to trade in a stolen vehicle that had California plates, but was denied by a salesman.
Reports also indicated that the man struck a couple on a motorcycle in the area causing them to crash.
Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning said the suspect initially lost pursuing officers due to a patrol car having a blow out. He said the man was eventually located near Canute after dispatch was able to ping his phone.
Sheriff Manning said the pursuit and shooting incident are still under investigation, and multiple agencies, including his, were involved, and few details are available at this time.
No officers were hurt during the shooting.
The name of the deceased suspect has not been released.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
🎸 Wild Plum Jam Music Fest 2025 – July 19 in Sayre, OK
Get ready, Western Oklahoma — Wild Plum Jam Music Fest 2025 is back and it might get a little Western! 🤠Join us on Saturday, July 19 at Sayre City Park for a full day of music,
Oklahoma Space Industry Agency merges into Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics
By Sandra Shelton, ODAA Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) welcomes the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority, (OSIDA), on July 1, as the state’s space industry agency merges into the Department.
PSO Urges Customers to Beware of Utility Scams Underway in Oklahoma
PSO Press Release Tulsa, OK – PSO is reminding the public and its customers across Oklahoma to remain vigilant against ongoing scam attempts. Recent reports indicate that individuals posing as utility representatives are demanding immediate payment for
Oklahoma Wheat Harvest Nears Completion Despite Rain Delays
The Oklahoma wheat harvest surged forward over the past five days, though progress varied across the state due to scattered rain and persistent humidity. According to the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, high humidity limited working hours even during
West Winds Motel in Erick Named One of Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places
Erick, OK – Preservation Oklahoma has released its 2025 list of the state’s Most Endangered Places, and Erick’s own West Winds Motel has made the list. Built around 1948 by Floyd Pamplin along historic US-66, the motel
Elk City Gears Up for 4th of July Celebration at Ackley Park
Elk City, OK – Elk City’s annual 4th of July celebration is set for Friday at Ackley Park, promising a full day of family fun, summer attractions, and a grand fireworks display to cap off the night.
SWOSU Names New President’s Leadership Class Members for 2025–26
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the 20th class of its President’s Leadership Class (PLC), a selective leadership development program that recognizes high-achieving students with strong leadership potential. Sixteen high
Boater Rescued After Falling Into Canton Lake Without Life Jacket
Canton Lake, OK — A boating incident on Canton Lake prompted an emergency response Sunday evening after a man fell into the water without a life jacket and couldn’t immediately be located. According to the Oklahoma Highway
Firework Safety Reminder from Local Survivor Ahead of Independence Day
Independence Day lands on Friday, and fireworks will light up the skies all across western Oklahoma. But one local man is urging people not to forget how dangerous those explosives can be. Paragon Communications’ Shawn Wilson knows
Expect Crowded Roads and Construction for July 4th Travel
From the Oklahoma Panhandle to Broken Bow, AAA says a busy Fourth of July travel period is on the way. Nearly 643,000 Oklahomans are expected to travel over the holiday, joining 72.2 million Americans on the move.
Study Highlights SWOSU’s $360.9 Million Economic Impact on Oklahoma
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) contributed more than $360.9 million in total economic output to the State of Oklahoma in fiscal year 2024, according to a new study by the University
Deputies Recover Stolen Vehicle Using Surveillance Footage, Arrest Suspect
Beckham County, OK – Beckham County deputies recovered a stolen vehicle and arrested a suspect Friday (June 20) after a sharp-eyed deputy and some solid police work helped crack the case. According to Sheriff Derek Manning, the
SWOSU Announces Spring 2025 Graduates
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the list of graduates for the Spring 2025 semester. Graduation ceremonies were held in May at the Pioneer Event Center on the Weatherford campus.
Wheat Harvest Reaches 55 Percent Completion in Oklahoma
The 2025 Oklahoma wheat harvest is moving quickly, with many producers and custom harvesters finishing up in the southwest. Significant progress has also been made across central and far western parts of the state, as combines now
Man Caught Climbing Courthouse Scaffolding Says He ‘Wanted to See the Sunset’
Elk City, OK — Beckham County deputies got an unexpected surprise when they spotted a man scaling the scaffolding around the county courthouse in downtown Sayre. According to Sheriff Derek Manning, deputies were leaving the sheriff’s office
Wellington Man Sentenced to Probation for Felony Family Violence Case
Memphis, TX — A Wellington man has been sentenced to probation following a felony plea in Hall County’s 100th Judicial District Court. Jacob Arron Florez, 27, pleaded guilty on Monday to assault family violence by strangulation, a third-degree
Search Warrant Executed in Elk City Drug Investigation
Elk City, OK – On Tuesday, June 24, the Elk City Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence on 9th Street as part of an ongoing drug investigation. The operation is tied to efforts aimed
OSIDA to Weigh Aerospace Expansion and STEM Grant at June 27 Meeting
Oklahoma City, OK — The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) will consider multiple action items at its upcoming meeting on Friday, June 27, potentially advancing both economic development and education in Western Oklahoma. A key agenda
Beutler Wins Literary Award
By Landry Brewer Amarillo, TX – Randy is dandy at writing great books. Former Southwestern Oklahoma State University President Randy Beutler recently won the Finalist Award in Contemporary Non-Fiction for his book “Impresarios of the Rodeo Arena:
SWOSU Signs International Agreement at Paris Air Show
SWOSU Press Release Paris, France – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford is expanding its global reach with a new educational agreement signed at one of the world’s largest international trade shows. SWOSU President Dr. Diana
Fatal Wreck South of Shattuck Claims Life of Perryton Man
Shattuck, OK — A collision that occurred earlier this month on U.S. Highway 60 has resulted in a fatality, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash happened at 7:14 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, roughly 9
FLETC to Host Advanced Use of Force Training in Elk City
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Police Department is set to host a specialized Use of Force Training presented by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) from September 23rd through 26th, 2025. This advanced course
Birdsong Family Makes Major Gift to SWOSU Football
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Shylan and Carl Birdsong of Amarillo, Texas have made a generous gift to the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Football Legacy Fund. The SWOSU Football Legacy Fund exists to provide financial
SWODA Receives $30,000 Grant to Launch Mileage Reimbursement Polit Program in Southwest Oklahoma
SWODA Press Release Burns Flat, OK – The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) and the Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO) are pleased to announce the grant award of $30,000 from the Carolyn Watson Rural
Relay for Life at SWOSU Raises More Than $20,000 for American Cancer Society
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Weatherford community members and SWOSU students joined together to raise more than $20,000 for the American Cancer Society during Relay for Life of Beckham and Custer County. The event brought together
