OKC Police Investigate Shooting Death Of Inmate During Hostage Incident Inside Oklahoma County Detention Center

A deadly ending on Saturday to an inmate takeover at the Oklahoma County Detention Center in downtown Oklahoma City.

The inmates were demanding better living conditions while holding a guard hostage.   

Oklahoma City police officials confirmed on Monday two officers shot and killed 34-year-old Curtis Williams to rescue the guard.

Read: Correction Officer Taken Hostage Rescued Inside Oklahoma County Detention Center

The police department opened an investigation into the deadly officer-involved shooting and Chief Wade Gourley said the investigation could take a while due to the large law enforcement response.

Chaos unfolded on the 10th floor of the Oklahoma County Detention Center. Authorities said Williams overtook Officer Daniel Misquez while medical staff handed out medication to inmates.

“The inmate was able to take his radio and his keys and free many other inmates that were on that pod,” said Greg Williams, Oklahoma County Detention Center Director.

In only minutes a call went out for help.

Three Oklahoma County sheriff's deputies showed up first and realized they were outnumbered. Oklahoma City police were called in for more force. 

While the inmates cried out for better living conditions inside the jail, the TACT team prepared to rescue the guard held hostage.

Authorities said tear gas was used to de-escalate the situation, but eventually officers had to take lethal action.

“They tried to de-escalate and then the suspect had the detention officer in a hostage position with something held to his neck,” said Oklahoma County Sheriff Tommie Johnson. “Shots were fired. Lethal force was taken.”

Police said Lt. Coy Gilbert and Officer Kevin Kuhlman fired the deadly rounds that killed Williams.

Investigators immediately started piecing together what happened before and after the deadly shooting.

“Every officer-involved shooting is different,” said Gourley. “This one is very unique because we had a large amount of people to interview. Not just staff but there were several of our officers in there too.”

Detention center officials were also forced to investigate within their own doors.

“Anytime we have an incident like this,” said Williams. “We go back and look at our policies and procedures and see where we can strengthen those breeches.”

The two officers who shot and killed Williams are now on paid administrative leave.