Broken Arrow Police Department Press Release Re: Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office Clears BAPD Officer in Officer-Involved Shooting of Samuel Flanagan
We extend our deepest sympathies and support to all those affected by the events of November 29, 2024. We recognize the pain that comes with loss and send our heartfelt condolences. We also acknowledge the emotional toll that critical incidents can take and remain committed to transparency, safety, and the trust that binds us together.
On the morning of November 29, 2024, Broken Arrow Police officers responded to a 911 call from a home in the 1300 Block of West Gary Place. A family member reported that they needed assistance for a “medical, but mental” incident. They reported an escalating mental health crisis involving 46-year-old Samuel Flanagan, who was armed with a machete and threatening self-harm at their residence. As officers arrived, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Officer Danny James, who was wearing an activated body-worn camera, encountered multiple people at the residence, including two juveniles, outside and near the home. During the encounter, Samuel Flanagan emerged from the house, within five feet away from Officer James, armed with a machete and a meat cleaver, making explicit threats and disregarding repeated commands from Officer James. As he advanced, within eight feet away from two officers wrestling with a family member of Flanagan on the ground, placing officers and family members in immediate danger, Officer James fired one shot, striking Mr. Flanagan in the chest. Officers immediately began life-saving measures. Mr. Flanagan was transported to the hospital, where he later died. A toxicology report later revealed the presence of methamphetamine in Mr. Flanagan’s system.
Following an independent review, the Tulsa County District Attorney concluded the use of deadly force was legally justified and no criminal charges will be filed.
We remain committed to transparency and accountability. To that end, we are releasing the full body-worn camera footage from this incident, along with detailed descriptions and contextual information to ensure public understanding of the sequence of events. The footage is being released now following a request from the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office to withhold public release until the conclusion of their investigation. We are reminded that law enforcement officers often face rapidly evolving, dangerous situations that require split-second decisions. While we regret the tragic outcome, we stand behind the professionalism of our officers and the integrity of the investigative process. Our thoughts remain with the family, our officers, and all members of our community impacted by this tragic event.
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𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞. 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝.