Information released about Tulsa police officers in critical condition
OklahomaCrimeCommunity
(TULSA, Okla.) Two Tulsa police officers who were shot early Monday morning have been identified.
We’re told the first, Sergeant Craig Johnson, joined the Tulsa Police Department in 2005. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2015 and serves as the Mingo Valley graveyard supervisor.
We’re told Aurash Zarkeshan joined the Tulsa Police Department in 2019. He completed his training in May of this year and had been out on patrol on his own for less than six weeks.
Both officers were shot after pulling David Anthony Ware, 32, over for expired tags near 21st and Memorial around 3:30 a.m. Monday. We’re told Ware called another man while he was being stopped, then refused to get out of the vehicle. Despite being tased and pepper sprayed, Ware still refused to get out.
We’re told when they were finally able to pull Ware out the vehicle, he fired multiple rounds at the officers in close proximity. He then continued to fire upon them after they were down.
Both officers were critically injured and remain in the hospital at this time.
Ware then walked away and got into another vehicle that arrived at the scene.
After receiving numerous tips, police tracked Ware to a house several hours later. When officers surrounded the house, he surrendered.
The driver who picked Ware up, Matt Hall, 29, was taken into custody in Broken Arrow Monday afternoon.
During a press conference, TPD Chief Wendell Franklin condemned hatred toward his department and hatred toward law enforcement, in general.
“We won’t have what we have without the presence of law enforcement.” Franklin said.
Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler blasted social media trolls who applauded the officers being shot.
Kunzweiler also asked people to drive around with their headlights on to show support for local law enforcement.
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