Authorities seeking information

A man is in critical condition after being shot near Lake Okmulgee Park Wednesday afternoon.

Okmulgee police responded to a report of the shooting around 3:35 p.m.

According to Police Chief Joe Prentice, initial information received was that there was a shooting victim at the intersection of State Highway 56 and Wilson Road west of Okmulgee, which is within the city limits.

While en route to the scene, officers received a description of a possible suspect vehicle.

“That vehicle was located and stopped while approaching Okmulgee,” Chief Prentice said. “Officers dealt with that stop while other officers continued to the other location.” As more information was gathered, it was determined the shooting actually took place inside the Lake Okmulgee Park at an area referred to by locals as the ‘Rock Wall’ area. Other officers went to that area. The scene was processed, and officers located evidence of a party/gathering and a small amount of blood as well. That examination had been completed, according to Chief Prentice.

The person who had been shot was taken by LifeFlight to a Tulsa hospital and his condition is unknown at this time.

His last known condition, reported by EMS, was critical and he is believed to have been shot once in the chest.

“As officers identified some persons who were present, they discovered that some were tribal members and others were not,” the chief said. “We also believe there was a large number of other people present that have yet to be identified.”

On Thursday morning, Chief Joe Prentice announced that due to the information available, the investigation involved a tribal member, and the investigation had been referred to the FBI.

“Any requests for additional information should be sent to the FBI,” Prentice said.