WCSO releases 16-year-old Bartlesville weekend shooting suspect due to Tribal status
Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) released a 16-year-old shooting suspect due to his Cherokee Nation Tribal affiliation on Sunday.
On Sunday afternoon, WCSO deputies responded to a report of multiple shots fired near the intersection of Herrick and Virginia Ave., just outside Bartlesville City limits, according to Undersheriff Jon Copeland.
A Bartlesville Police Department (BPD) officer was flagged down in the area and informed of what sounded like two gunshots. Upon arrival, WCSO deputies discovered a male in his mid-50s injured at the scene, being treated by Bartlesville EMS paramedics.
Reportedly, the adult male was shot after intervening between two arguing juveniles. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspected shooter, approximately 16 years old, had fled the scene on foot. BPD deployed K9 officers and drones, but the suspect was not located.
WCSO interviewed several individuals, and the firearm allegedly used in the incident was recovered.
That evening, WCSO deputies received a tip and detained a 16-year-old male for questioning. After consulting with the District Attorney's Office, the juvenile, a tribal member, was released to his parent.
WCSO contacted the Cherokee Nation, and a Cherokee Nation Marshall is working with WCSO deputies as the investigation continues.
No arrests were made, and no names have been released at this time. Further information will disclosed as the investigation progresses.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Critical injuries in Bartlesville shooting, teen suspect released
