Oklahoma police officer killed: Details on suspect emerge

close

Video

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

The man accused of shooting and killing police officer Justin Terney after a traffic stop in Oklahoma was a wanted man, investigators revealed Tuesday.

Byron Shepard shot and killed Officer Justin Terney at a traffic stop in Tecumseh, Oklahoma, according to police.

The suspect was identified as 35-year-old Byron Shepard. Police said he shot Tecumseh Officer Justin Terney on Sunday night. Terney died Monday morning after undergoing surgery.

Terney, 22, pulled over Shepard’s vehicle before the suspect ran off, according to Tecumseh Assistant Police Chief J.R. Kidney.

OKLAHOMA POLICE OFFICER KILLED IN TRAFFIC-STOP SHOOTOUT

Terney shocked the suspect with a stun gun but he kept running, Kidney told Fox 25. Both the officer and the suspect were shot in the skirmish.

Shepard had an outstanding warrant for knowingly concealing stolen property, which may have convinced him to try escaping, according to police. He was still recovering in the hospital for his injuries.

OKLAHOMA POLICE OFFICER RUNS OVER, KILLS SHOOTING SUSPECT

“We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who put on the uniform every day and risk their lives to ensure the safety of our communities,” Republican Sen. James Lankford said in a statement. “Officer Terney gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

Terney’s body was escorted back to his hometown of Canadian, Okla., later Monday. Law enforcement officers lined the streets to pay their respects to Terney during his procession.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.