Clinton, Oklahoma
June 25, 2012
Agencies: Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) | Clinton Police Department Oklahoma
Cause of death: Shooting
Last updated: over 5 years ago
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting at the request of Clinton police. Benjamin Whiteshield, 34, was shot outside the police station early Wednesday, just after midnight.
OSBI spokeswoman Jessica Brown said family members drove Whiteshield to the police station after attempting to take him to the hospital because he was acting delusional.
Whiteshield got out of the vehicle at the police station holding a large crescent wrench, Brown said. Police searched the area and an officer found him on the north side of the police station holding the wrench. The officer fired his weapon one time, striking Whiteshield in the mouth.
Whiteshield then ran inside the lobby of the police station, Brown said. Officers tried several times to subdue him so paramedics could treat him and put him in an ambulance.
He was pronounced dead at the hospital in Clinton.
The officer who shot Whiteshield is on routine paid administrative leave while the OSBI investigates the shooting. His name was not released. The district attorney will determine if the shooting was justified.