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June 27, 2008

OSBI probing death of fugitive

By JOSH NEWTON

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — STILWELL – The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations is looking into the death of an Arkansas fugitive who was shot by a Cherokee Nation marshal Tuesday night in Stilwell.

Marty Workman, 30, barricaded himself into a Stilwell residence Tuesday night. Stilwell Police Department, Adair County Sheriff’s Office and the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service Special Operations Team responded.

Workman reportedly got into a vehicle in a garage and pointed a gun at his head, then threatened to kill himself. He allegedly rammed the vehicle into the garage before lighting it on fire.

OSBI Spokeswoman Jessica Brown told the Tulsa World Thursday that Workman then shot himself at the same time as the Cherokee Nation marshal.

Workman was wanted on a failure-to-appear warrant out of Arkansas on a June 2 trial date. He was facing charges of delivery of a controlled substance. Brown told the Tulsa World that Workman had family in Adair County.

Maj. Sharon Wright, Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, said the service is proud of the professionalism shown by officers one the scene.

“Our officers reacted based on their training. They conducted themselves professionally,” said Wright.

Cherokee Nation has not released the name of the marshal who shot Workman, but said that in accordance with policy, the officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.

Following the shooting, Workman was pronounced dead at Stilwell Memorial Hospital.

Stilwell Police Chief Dan Abbott said 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.

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