May 30, 2023
By News Director Jared Atha
The Elk City man accused of stabbing an Elk City police officer was formally charged with the crime last week in Beckham County District Court.
Court records show 50-year-old Frank Bates Whitehead III received one felony count of assault and battery with the intent to kill for his actions that took place earlier in the month.
The probable cause affidavit showed that the incident occurred just after midnight on May 16 when Whitehead was recognized by the officer as a person with multiple warrants out for his arrest.
The affidavit stated that when the officer approached him, Whitehead became combative and refused to follow commands given by the officer. Eventually Whitehead would turn back towards the officer, and aggressively walked toward him. Body camera footage would allegedly show the defendant hold two tactical throwing knives in one hand as he and the officer got into a physical altercation.
The knives would later be found on the street.
Eventually the officer was able to deploy pepper spray on the defendant and with the assistance of another officer, arrest Whitehead.
It wasn’t until after Whitehead was arrested that the officer discovered that his left arm was bleeding, and that he had been stabbed.
A search of the suspect would turn up another knife on his person, inside a boot he was wearing.
Bond for Whitehead was set at $100,000.
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.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,
Dr. Kalie Kerth Named Director of SWOSU College of Pharmacy Rural Health Center
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Dr. Kalie Kerth has been named director of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) College of Pharmacy Rural Health Center. A SWOSU alumna and longtime member of the College of Pharmacy
SWOSU Names King Executive Director of Institutional Advancement
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced that Mr. Garrett King will assume the role of Executive Director of the SWOSU Office of Institutional Advancement, effective immediately. This move comes as
Unsung Heroes
By Landry Brewer Elk City, OK – Shooting fireworks July 4th at Ackley Park is a lot of fun, but it leaves a big mess. Somebody has to clean that mess. About 100 City employees spent the morning
Candidate Filing Begins for Board of Education
Beckham County, OK – Those who wish to file for a Board of Education office must submit a Declaration of Candidacy to the Beckham County Election Board July 28th, 29th or 30th, between the hours of 8
OSIDA Board to Discuss Infrastructure, Leasing, and Marketing Plans at July 9 Meeting
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) is set to convene on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s First Floor Commission Room in Oklahoma City. The
Texas Pair Charged in 2023 Elk City Car Wash Burglary
Elk City, OK – Two Texas residents have been formally charged in connection with a 2023 car wash burglary in Elk City, with outstanding warrants now issued in Beckham County. Jennifer McPherson, 46, of Stinnett, Texas, and
Beckham County Sheriff Urges Caution After Gun Stolen From Unlocked Vehicle
Beckham County, OK — Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning is reminding residents to lock their vehicles and remove valuables after a pistol was recently stolen from a rural area. “In this part of the country, and we’re
REAP Meetings Set for July in SW Oklahoma – Local Entities Encouraged to Attend
Burns Flat, OK – Entities in Southwest Oklahoma are urged to attend one of the upcoming REAP (Rural Economic Action Plan) meetings hosted by SWODA (South Western Oklahoma Development Authority). These meetings are key for communities seeking
Foss Lake Christmas in July Set for This Weekend
Foss, OK — One of Western Oklahoma’s most anticipated summer celebrations returns this year as Foss Lake Christmas in July brings two full days of fun to Foss State Park, July 11 and 12, 2025. Festivities kick
Beckham County Sheriff Offers Heartfelt Words on Texas Flood Tragedy
Beckham County, OK — Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning shared an emotional message in response to the devastating floods in Texas, calling attention to the pain felt by families, first responders, and entire communities caught in the
Teen Arrested After Allegedly Pointing Gun, Firing Shots Near Canadian River Bridge
Custer County, OK — A Watonga teenager is facing criminal charges after allegedly pointing a loaded handgun at two individuals and firing multiple rounds into the air near the Canadian River Bridge on June 29. Cole William
High School Students Experience College Life Through SWOSU Upward Bound
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – High school students from western Oklahoma are spending part of their summer at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), where they are getting a firsthand look at college life while building academic
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.
