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June 26, 2008

CN marshal shoots, kills fugitive

By JOSH NEWTON

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — STILWELL – A Cherokee Nation marshal shot and killed a 30-year-old Arkansas fugitive Tuesday night in Stilwell.

Marty Workman, 30, had barricaded himself into a residence in Stilwell after a failure-to-appear warrant was issued on a June 2 trial in Fayetteville, Ark. Workman was facing trial on charges of delivery of a controlled substance, according to the Washington County prosecutors office.

Stilwell police called Cherokee Nation Marshal Service Special Operations Team to assist in apprehending Workman, according to a statement released by the Cherokee Nation.

“The suspect was violent, armed and barricaded at a residence inside Stilwell city limits,” the statement reads.

Workman allegedly set a vehicle on fire, then rolled it toward law enforcement officers and tried to escape. When he attempted to leave, he was allegedly armed with a gun and was waving it around.

The Cherokee Nation marshal shot the man during the confrontation, and Workman was later pronounced dead at Stilwell Memorial Hospital.

“We are proud of the professionalism shown by law enforcement at the scene of the incident,” said Maj. Sharon Wright, Cherokee Nation Marshal Service. “Our officers reacted based on their training. They conducted themselves professionally.”

Stilwell Police Chief Dan Abbott released a statement Wednesday, saying he is glad the Marshal Service was available to assist with the call. “It was a tragic result, but safety for officers comes first,” said Abbott.

This incident marks the first time in the history of the Marshal Service that an officer has discharged a firearm during an incident, according to the Cherokee Nation. Marshals responds to more than 3,800 calls per year from Cherokee communities and assist local and state law enforcement agencies.

Cherokee Nation has not released the name of the marshal who shot Workman.

“While there is no reason to believe the officer’s actions went beyond standard protocols for life-threatening situations, the Marshal Service will follow policy, which calls for the officer to be placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the incident,” the statement reads.

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