Thief Attempts Break-In At OKC Police Officer's Home, Shots Fired

Ed Murray, News 9 and News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City police are investigating an officer-involved shooting following an attempted break-in at the officer's home.

Investigators say the burglar kicked in a door of the home near S.W. 95th Street and Land Avenue. But the officer, who was off duty, scared the suspect off and fired a shot at him. Police do not believe that person was wounded. The suspect did escape in a car.

The investigation is being handled by the homicide detectives division which is standard procedure anytime an officer, whether on duty or off-duty, is involved in a shooting. Their work will be followed up by the internal affairs department. However, at this time, it appears to be a typical burglary during work hours when the suspect probably figured no one was at home.

"It doesn't make any difference if you're an officer or not," said Capt. Dexter Nelson, Oklahoma City Police. "If someone breaks into your home and you feel like your life is in danger, or the life of someone in your family, you do have the right to use deadly force if necessary to defend yourself."

Investigators have not released the name of the officer, but Captain Nelson says there's nothing at this time to suggest he was targeted. His police car was not in the driveway or near his home.

Investigators said they do have a suspect description, but right now, detectives don't want to release that information.