OSBI Investigating First Officer-Involved Shooting In Wilburton In 21 Years

WILBURTON, Okla. - The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the first officer-involved shooting in Wilburton in 21 years.

Agents said a suspect stabbed an officer in the neck and chest, then the officer shot and killed the suspect.

Wilburton police said the suspect stabbed the officer after first throwing a bottle at the officer’s patrol car, near the Casey’s Store at Highway 2 and Main Street. 

The OSBI said someone saw a man who looked drunk Wednesday night, walking along the highway and called police.

When officers arrived, they said the man, Alexander Scott, threw a bottle at an officer's car and walked up to the driver's door.

OSBI said when Officer Richard Johnston got out of his patrol car, Scott stabbed Officer Johnston several times with a knife in the neck and shoulder and Johnston shot Scott.

Investigators said the officer tried to help save Scott by putting pressure on the gunshot wound, but he died at the scene.

Officer Johnston is now recovering at home after getting stitches at a McAlester hospital.

Wilburton Police Chief Robert Bias said the department does have body cameras, but Officer Johnston did not have time to turn his on before he was stabbed.

Court records show Scott was convicted of a misdemeanor count for resisting an officer in 2015. He was given a year probation but didn't follow the rules and was supposed to be re-sentenced this summer.

He pleaded guilty to domestic violence and child abuse in Pittsburg County in 2008 and was ordered to attend anger management and domestic abuse counseling.

The Latimer County District Attorney will determine if the shooting was legally justified.

Officer Johnston is on routine paid administrative leave while the OSBI wraps up its investigation.