Homeless Man Fatally Shot By Police In Downtown OKC

A homeless man was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon by an Oklahoma City bicycle patrol officer.

It happened at 1:40 p.m. near the busy intersection of Western and Sheridan in downtown. 

5/25/2016 Related Story: Suspect Shot, Killed After Threatening Officer With Knife In Downtown OKC

Police said the homeless man was walking in the street, and when confronted by the officer, refused police commands. 

Police say the man then lunged at the officer with a knife. 

The officer, later identified as 33-year veteran MSgt. Steve Helmer, shot the man. The man then staggered into the Amy’s Noodle House parking lot, where he died. 

LeRoy Campbell is visiting Oklahoma City, and came upon the scene on his bike, shortly after the shooting occurred.

“Death always makes you sad,” he said. “Regardless of how it occurs, and you know it’s not something that’s a pretty sight, whether it was justified or not.” 

The officer is on paid administrative leave. Police have not identified the man killed.