Oklahoma Co. Negotiator Details Conversation With Shooter That Lead To Peaceful Surrender

The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office surrounded a Harrah home for more than four hours on Wednesday after a man inside threatened to harm himself and shot at multiple law enforcement vehicles. 

“We had a full tac-team activation,” said Michael Davenport, an OSCO crisis negotiator.

The suspect, Bryant Hodges, ultimately surrendered himself into custody. Deputies did not fire a single shot, according to a department statement. 

At first, Davenport said Hodges was behaving erratically. 

“When I took over the call, he was yelling and screaming and cussing,” Davenport said. “Gentleman was in crisis; I could tell that.” 

Davenport said he spoke with Hodges for hours, and eventually found common ground. 

“He had some major life issues and some challenges, and some medical challenges,” he said. “I don’t know if he’s a good guy, bad guy, or any other guy. He’s a person in crisis and he needs some help and we’re all human beings.” 

After more than three hours of talking, Hodges surrendered. 

“I ask him the question, ‘Right now, what can I do to get you to a safer place?’ And he goes, ‘what do you want me to do, Mike?” Davenport said.

Hodges left his gun behind and deputies took him into custody.

He was booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on multiple felonies, including assault and shooting with intent to kill. 

Deputies found equipment to make moonshine on the property, as well as a marijuana grow.