In an incident that shook the community, the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) provided an update on an officer-involved shooting that took place on August 22, 2022. Captain Valerie Littlejohn from the Office of Media Relations shared details during a briefing.
The incident unfolded at 2221 Southwest 78th Street when Oklahoma County deputies were shot while serving an eviction notice. The suspect, later identified as Benjamin Plank, fled the scene in a gray truck pulling a boat. OKCPD officers were alerted and initiated a pursuit after spotting the suspect driving east on Southwest 89th Street near Walker Avenue.
Despite attempts to stop him, the suspect refused to comply, leading officers on a chase. As the pursuit continued onto Interstate 35, the suspect’s vehicle swerved, striking Sergeant Patton’s vehicle. The suspect then fired at officers while traveling past Southeast 44th Street.
Amidst the chaos, Officer Boxwell discharged his rifle at the suspect as he passed by on Southbound Interstate 35 near Southeast 25th Street. Shortly after, Sergeant Patton also fired his rifle from inside his vehicle. However, the suspect evaded capture and continued onto Interstate 40, heading east.
The situation escalated when the suspect exited the highway at the Air Depot exit, approaching the Tinker Air Force Gate with a rifle in hand. After coming to a stop, he dropped the weapon and surrendered to officers who quickly converged on the scene.
Inside the suspect’s vehicle, several firearms were discovered. Tragically, Deputy Bobby Schwartz from the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office succumbed to his injuries, while Deputy Mark Johns was critically injured but later released from the hospital.
Benjamin Plank faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, shooting with intent to kill, and assault and battery with a deadly weapon. Both Sergeant Patton and Officer Boxwell have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the investigation’s outcome.
As the investigation unfolds, the OKCPD emphasizes the importance of thoroughness and patience in uncovering the full truth behind the events of that fateful day.
