Wellston, Oklahoma – The Lincoln County officer involved shooting that unfolded in rural Wellston on Sunday afternoon is now under investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol after troopers and a Lincoln County deputy fatally shot a man authorities say refused commands and turned a weapon toward officers.
Authorities have identified the man as 74-year-old Steven Pence, a former Oklahoma County lieutenant who retired in 2018, according to Lincoln County Sheriff Kevin Garrett.
The incident began after a 911 call reporting a suicidal person, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Troopers responded to a home in Lincoln County at about 3:15 p.m. to assist Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies, OHP said.
Sheriff Garrett told KOCO the call came from the man’s wife, who reported her husband was threatening suicide and had a gun to his head. KOCO also reported that a 9-year-old child was inside the home at the time.
The confrontation started in the backyard with a tense back-and-forth as deputies and troopers attempted to de-escalate the situation.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol described the response as taking place Sunday afternoon and said the officers involved fired after the man turned his weapon toward troopers and deputies.
Officers attempted less-lethal measures, including beanbag rounds, before the shooting. The suspect later pointed a gun at deputies and troopers, and that is when the deputy and troopers opened fire.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, OHP said.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is leading the investigation, with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation also responding to the scene.
Officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
