OHP troopers shoot, kill fleeing driver in McAlester
McALESTER, Okla. -- A police chase ended in deadly gunfire in McAlester on Wednesday evening.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said McAlester police asked for their help in stopping a fleeing vehicle around 6:30 p.m. Its driver, later identified as 35-year-old Mark Anson Schoggins, was suspected of shoplifting a bottle of vodka from the Alamo Liquor store on Wade Watts Avenue.
Police pursued Schoggin's vehicle southbound on US 69 to the Indian Nations Turnpike, where he turned around and headed north.
OHP units joined the chase as the fleeing vehicle returned to the McAlester city limits. Police said a state patrol vehicle forced Schoggin's car off the road at Main Street and South Avenue.
"Shots were ultimately fired by Patrol personnel and the driver of the fleeing vehicle was struck and pronounced dead," the agency said in a written statement.
One trooper suffered minor injuries.
The Highway Patrol said two troopers were placed on paid administrative leave as the incident is being investigated.
BREAKING: McAlester Police, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Department are on scene what witnesses call an officer involved shooting at South Third Street and East South Avenue.
— Derrick James (@dljames0001) July 18, 2019
Suspect was seen transported by ambulance to MRHC. pic.twitter.com/gQt8lROGy3