Tulsa police: Teen dies from self-inflicted gunshot during Boys' Home class

KJRH

By: Erin Christy , Jennifer Maupin

SAND SPRINGS, Okla. — A 17-year-old boy died after shooting himself during an archery class at the Tulsa Boys' Home in Sand Springs on Oct. 21, according to the Tulsa Police Department.

The Boys' Home is under the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office's jurisdiction. However, TPD said an off-duty Tulsa Police Officer was involved in the situation.

The boy reportedly grabbed the off-duty officer's gun from its holster while the officer was turned around and shot himself.

“This came out of absolutely nowhere, there was no indication that the officer could have seen what was about to occur,” said Casey Roebuck, Public Information Officer with TCSO.

The Tulsa Boys Home is a residential treatment facility for troubled boys aged 13-18.

“This was a wholesome interaction, this officer is invested in these children and unfortunately it ended in complete tragedy today,” said TPD's Captain Richard Meulenberg.

Meulenberg says the eight-year officer is on administrative leave. He described the officers wearing a “softer” style uniform. He confirms the officer was carrying a department-issued gun and says there are varying holsters with different locking mechanisms.

Meulenberg adds that, just this year, TPD has participated in more than 180 community-style events, and that the mindset at these events is not to be on constant guard.

“Unfortunately, today, is an eye-opener and sometimes we have to reevaluate things,” he said. “I don’t want this program to stop, no one wants this program to stop, but it does give everyone a moment of pause to figure out what we need to do moving forward.”

The Tulsa Boys' Home released this statement about the incident:

It is with great sadness that we report one of the Tulsa Boys’ Home boys died earlier this morning from a self-inflicted wound. Two off- duty Tulsa Police Department officers were on campus in the gymnasium as part of a voluntary archery program sanctioned by The Tulsa Police Department.

Unfortunately, the youth was able to access one officer’s firearm. No other injuries have been reported.

Staff immediately called emergency services and secured the campus. Out of respect for the student’s and family’s privacy, we cannot release further details at this time. Tulsa Boys’ Home has a Crisis Intervention Team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students and families.

We asked everyone to keep all involved, in particular the TBH Boys and the involved officers, in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

We have no other information at this time.

TCSO said this:

At 9:23 am today, TCSO received a 911 call from the Tulsa Boys Home stating that a 17-year-old boy had been shot.
The shooting occurred during an archery class in the gym of the facility. The class was being taught by two off-duty Tulsa Police Officers.
The teen approached one of the officers from behind, grabbed the gun from the officer's holster, and took his life. Two other students were present when the shooting occurred.
TCSO detectives are conducting the investigation into the child's death.
Our hearts and prayers are with everyone affected by today’s tragedy.

The archery class has been run by volunteer Tulsa police officers for around 10 years.