TAHLEQUAH —
A sheriff’s report sent to the District Attorney’s Office this week details a Hulbert School Board member’s run-in with authorities last Wednesday.
According to the report prepared by Sheriff’s Sgt. Waylon Tarkington, deputies were called to the Hulbert home of Rickey Dale Gassaway, 50, after a domestic disturbance.
Tarkington’s report indicates he arrived and saw Gassaway run back into the home and shut the front door. Several minutes later, a woman and her son left the home and drove to a Tahlequah hospital to seek treatment. The woman’s shoulder had reportedly been injured when she and Gassaway were involved in a physical altercation. The teenage boy had also been injured by Gassaway, deputies said.
Tarkington asked Gassaway to step outside of the house, but Gassaway allegedly refused and went to retrieve a shotgun, which he began to waive around inside the house. Tarkington said he then retrieved his own rifle and notified other officers that Gassaway was armed.
Tarkington said he used a loudspeaker to talk with Gassaway and continued to ask him to exit the residence, but Gassaway refused. Gassaway allegedly told Tarkington he would have to shoot him.
The report indicates Gassaway eventually threw the gun outside but went back into the house. Deputies secured the gun, and Gassaway later stepped out onto the front porch and sat down. Tarkington told Gassaway he was going to be arrested and that he needed to put his hands behind his back.
At that point, Gassaway allegedly tried to get back into the house, but was taken to the ground and placed into custody. Gassaway reportedly admitted to deputies he might have consumed a six-pack of alcohol.
Gassaway and the female victim had reportedly gotten into an argument over finances, and Gassaway shoved her over a couch. Gassaway also allegedly tackled the teen boy, held him down, choked him and punched him, according deputies’ reports.
Gassaway was evaluated at Cherokee Nation Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah and later sent to a treatment facility in Tulsa, according to Tarkington’s report.
Employees at the Cherokee County Detention Center said Wednesday that Gassaway was not booked into their facility last week.
The address and date of birth of Gassaway listed on Tarkington’s report matches the same information printed on Gassaway’s last election filings in Cherokee County. Hulbert Public Schools’ website lists the same address and indicates Gassaway is the board president.
Local News
School official scuffles with deputies
- Local News
-
-
The rest of the story
You can believe whatever local lore you want, and even tell it to others, but Tahlequah does not mean “two is enough.”
-
AAUW to celebrate diamond anniversary
For 132 years, the American Association of University Women has promoted equity and education for women of all ages. The nonprofit organization takes positions on social, economic, educational and political issues and has a mission to protect the rights and advancement of all females.
-
Portable meth labs confiscated
More than two dozen “shake-and-bake” methamphetamine labs were discovered by investigators Wednesday evening at a home between Watts and West Siloam Springs.
-
Awareness of self, others key to mental health
Promoting good mental wellness has been a practice since the mid-19th century.
-
Carnival against cancer
For the past eight years, Tahlequah Middle School has come together with members of the community to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
-
Former band director busted in park
A Tahlequah man fired from his role as the Tahlequah Middle School band director in March was arrested by police this week on allegations that he was in possession of methamphetamine at a city park.
-
Legislators scramble as session ends
The end of the Oklahoma legislative session is looming, and lawmakers are scrambling to get last-minute bills on the floor.
-
Officials urge denial of sentence modification for arsonist
State officials have recommended a former wildlands firefighter convicted of arson be denied a sentence modification.
-
Most locals would favor ‘a la carte’ cable
In this digital age, fans of television can usually pick and choose what they watch and the platform on which they view it.
-
Area residents continue to offer help to tornado victims
In the aftermath of the May 20 tornado that decimated a portion of Moore, many area businesses and organizations are making efforts to assist in the recovery process.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw: Train Derails After Overpass Collapse
Raw: Rescues From San Antonio Flooding
Raw: French Soldier Stabbed in Throat Near Paris
Mayor: Person Killed in San Antonio Flooding
Raw: Apple 1 Computer Sells for More Than $650k
Hagel Urges Cadets to End Scourge of Sex Assault
Raw: Gay Rights Activists March in Ukraine
Bus Fire Kills 16 Children, Teacher in Pakistan
Raw: Pakistan Election Results Protested
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
