Police officer killed after traffic stop shootout in Okla.
22-year-old cop Justin Terney dies after undergoing overnight surgery for multiple gunshot wounds sustained in traffic stop confrontation
A 22-year-old police officer in central Oklahoma died Monday after a shootout with a man trying to escape a traffic stop in central Oklahoma, police announced.
We extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family of Officer Terney & the TPD. We are deeply saddened at the tragic loss. #OfficerDown pic.twitter.com/OHb6DexRS4
— Oklahoma City Police (@OKCPD) March 27, 2017
Officer Justin Terney died Monday morning after undergoing surgery overnight, Tecumseh Assistant Police Chief J.R. Kidney said.
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The suspect was also shot and was in intensive care Monday morning, Kidney added.
Terney pulled over a vehicle around 11:30 p.m. Sunday in Tecumseh, 35 miles southeast of Oklahoma City, police said. The suspect -- apparently a passenger -- bolted as Terney checked with dispatchers to see if he had any outstanding warrants, according to Kidney.
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Terney used a stun gun on the man but it was ineffective, Kidney said. The man then shot at Terney, who returned fire. Both men were wounded and paramedics rushed them to OU Medical Center.
Kidney said Terney, who graduated from police academy last summer, was shot in the "lower extremities." He was hit three times, Fox 25 reported.
He said authorities are still working to confirm the identity of the suspect, who was also shot multiple times.
"If it is who we think this person is, there's a possibility that he has some warrants," Kidney said. "That could be the reason that he ran."
The driver of the vehicle was in custody as well, police added.
Terney had a new puppy and had hoped to become a canine officer, Kidney told The Oklahoman. Terney grew up in eastern Oklahoma and also was a volunteer firefighter, Kidney added.