DA: Deputy shot, killed bystander during shootout on I-35; suspect shot himself
GARVIN COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) – An Oklahoma District Attorney has determined no charges will be filed against the Cleveland County Deputy who shot and killed a bystander while engaged in a shootout with a suspect on I-35 back in October.
The shooting happened on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, when Cleveland County Deputy Sean Steadman began chasing Kameron Jenkins while working as part of the drug intervention task force in Garvin County.
Steadman performed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention on Ruppe Road right off the highway, which spun Jenkins’ car around.
Once both cars were at a stop, shots began to ring out.
“Before Steadman could even get fully out of the car, Jenkins struck Steadman in the neck and the shoulder which caused him to fall to the ground,” wrote Melissa Handke, District 20 Attorney.
According to Handke’s analysis, Jenkins ran toward I-35 while continuing to shoot at Steadman and Steadman returned fire in the direction of the highway.
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One of Steadman’s shots hit 49-year-old Gwaun Frierson, Sr., who was working construction nearby.
According to the Medical Examiner, the bullet entered the right side Frierson’s neck and traveled down towards his left shoulder.
Frierson died within minutes of being shot.
“My heart goes out to the family of Gwuan Frierson, my office has discussed this case with them, and I offer my deepest sympathies,” said Handke. “However…Officer Steadman was justified in his actions that fateful day. Therefore, I will not be filing any charges in this matter.”
Handke goes on to say Jenkins is “solely responsible for the unforeseen and accidental death of Frierson,” as he caused the chain of events that lead to Frierson being shot.
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Jenkins managed to escape and a manhunt ensued for a week before cadaver dogs discovered his body in a field less than 200 yards away from the scene.
Handke says Jenkins took his own life while hiding from law enforcement.
The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement:
The loss of an innocent bystander’s life in this incident is truly heartbreaking. The events of that day, which resulted in the death of an innocent individual and the severe injury of one of our detectives, were entirely avoidable. These tragic consequences were facilitated by Mr. Jenkins, who deliberately chose to open fire on a first responder.
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