Ambush on First Responders in Tulsa Ends with Suspect Fatally Shot by Police
TULSA, Okla. — A harrowing incident unfolded in Tulsa Sunday evening after a jogger was shot and left wounded on the street, only for first responders to be ambushed by the suspect upon arrival. The dangerous confrontation escalated into a police chase that ultimately ended with the suspect being fatally shot by officers.
According to the Tulsa Police Department, the series of events began near 3111 East 56th Street and Harvard Avenue, where a man out jogging was shot in the leg and abandoned at the scene. While the motive behind the initial shooting remains under investigation, authorities quickly determined that the attack was not a random act of violence — it was a calculated setup.
Ambush at the Scene
Police say that shortly after the jogger was wounded and calls to 911 were made, emergency responders arrived on the scene. It was then that the suspect, who had remained in the vicinity, opened fire on the first responders — launching what authorities have confirmed was a deliberate ambush.
The gunfire sent responders and officers scrambling for cover as they tried to secure the scene and protect the victim. Miraculously, no officers or medics were hit during the attack.
Suspect Flees, Pursuit Ensues
Following the ambush, the suspect fled the scene in his vehicle, prompting a rapid police pursuit through nearby neighborhoods. Officers tracked the suspect as he sped through streets, leading them into a cul-de-sac near 5800 South Delaware Avenue.
With the suspect cornered and reportedly still armed, a standoff quickly turned deadly. Police confirmed that officers opened fire, killing the suspect at the scene. The precise details of the confrontation — including whether the suspect fired again during the final moments — are currently part of an active investigation.
Victim Recovering, Investigation Ongoing
The jogger, whose identity has not been released, was rushed to a nearby hospital where he is being treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg. His condition is reportedly stable, and he is expected to recover.
Tulsa Police praised the bravery and quick reaction of the first responders and officers involved, noting that a more tragic outcome was narrowly avoided.
“This was a dangerous and premeditated attack not only on a civilian but on the very people who respond to protect lives,” said a TPD spokesperson. “We’re incredibly thankful that none of our officers or EMS personnel were injured. The suspect posed an active threat and was neutralized to protect further loss of life.”
Authorities have not yet released the name of the deceased suspect, pending identification and notification of next of kin. Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the initial shooting and subsequent ambush, including whether the jogger and suspect knew each other or if the attack was meant to lure law enforcement into harm’s way.
Community Alerted and Reassured
As news of the ambush spread, community members expressed concern over the brazen nature of the attack. TPD assured the public that the situation was under control and that there was no ongoing threat to the neighborhood.
Nearby residents in the area of South Delaware were temporarily instructed to shelter in place during the final moments of the incident, but normal activity resumed shortly after officers secured the area.
Summary of Key Events:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Initial Incident | Jogger shot in the leg near 3111 E 56th & Harvard |
| Ambush | Suspect waited and opened fire on first responders |
| Police Response | Officers returned fire; suspect fled by vehicle |
| Pursuit Location | Cul-de-sac near 5800 S Delaware Ave |
| Suspect Outcome | Fatally shot by police at the end of pursuit |
| Jogger’s Condition | Non-life-threatening injuries; stable in hospital |
| Officer Injuries | None reported |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
The Tulsa Police Department continues to investigate the motive and sequence of the events, and additional details are expected in the coming days. For now, the city is left reckoning with the disturbing reality of a targeted ambush against both a civilian and its protectors — a reminder of the ever-present risks faced by first responders in the line of duty.