ADAIR COUNTY, Okla. — A man was shot dead after he alleged tried to drown a state wildlife officer Sunday.
Around 11:10 a.m., a state wildlife officer says he approached three people fishing in the Bunch area.
The officer asked to see their fishing licenses; reports say he noticed one of the men had a warrant for his arrest in Arkansas.
The officer tried to take the man into custody, but the man allegedly began to struggle.
That’s when authorities say they both fell into the pond.
The suspect allegedly tried to hold the officer’s head under water, but the officer was able to fight his way up to breathe. He also shot the suspect upon coming up for air.
The wildlife officer was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.
The male suspect died at the scene, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
OSBI officials have identified the suspect as 29-year-old Billy Joe Patrick of Arkansas.
