OSBI, Washington County DA rule deadly July police shooting justified

After reviewing the results of an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations report, Washington County District Attorney Will Drake found the officer-involved deadly shooting in July was justified, according to a statement released by the city.

"The internal investigation has also concluded, finding the officer involved in the shooting acted within the scope of the law and Bartlesville Police Department policy," the statement read. "Due to these findings, the officer has been removed from paid leave and reinstated to full duty."

On July 5, officers were called to the area around Nowata Road and Madison Boulevard at 1:21 a.m. to investigate reports of an armed suicidal man in a residence. Upon arrival, officers learned that a female subject also was in the residence with the suspect.

"Negotiations began with the suspect, however, at approximately 4:09 a.m., events transpired that resulted in a Bartlesville police officer firing shots that led to the death of the suspect," Elkins said.

After the shooting, the OSBI and BPD launched independent investigations into the early-morning police shooting death of 24-year-old Ricky Wayne Franks.  Franks died from his wounds at the scene, according to OSBI.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: OSBI, Washington County DA rule deadly July police shooting justified