One man dies from injuries
PATRICK FORD
NEWS EDITOR
The Okmulgee Police Department is investigating a shooting which left one man dead.
Tuesday at 3:15 p.m., the OPD responded to a report of a person shot in the area of Randolph and Ohio, according to Chief Joe Prentice.
No one was found in the area, however, as the officers searched for evidence of a shooting, they were informed a shooting victim had arrived at the hospital.
Officers at the scene discovered multiple shell casings inside the park located at the intersection as well as blood evidence.
As the officers were investigating the scene, a second shooting victim arrived at the hospital. Both male victims were treated by emergency staff.
Christian Carter 23, of Okmulgee was shot in the arm. He was transported by personal vehicle to the Muscogee Nation Medical Center and ultimately transferred to a Tulsa hospital for treatment. He is expected to recover.
Damien Hage, 25, of Okmulgee, was shot from behind, below the waist, according to Chief Prentice. He was transported by personal vehicle to Muscogee Nation Medical Center where he died of his injuries.
Officers spoke to several people in the area, with witnesses reported hearing shots, but none saw anything. Though one witness mentioned a black pickup leaving the area, the accuracy of the information could not be confirmed.
On Wednesday, Chief Prentice released additional information about the case.
Based on information received, investigators believe there was an exchange of gunfire between the two men that were shot.
The chief did note that ‘this information has been provided by people who have it second or third hand. As of this release, investigators have not been able to identify/interview persons who were present for the shooting.’
Prentice did release photos from the surveillance cameras at the hospital that show the persons that transported Hage to the hospital, and left them there. Investigators are seeking information and help in identifying those persons and wish to speak with them.
A firearm was recovered from the vehicle that transported Carter to the hospital, Prentice added, but there is at least one other firearm they wish to find. Anyone with information is asked to contact Okmulgee Police at 918-756-3511 or tips@okmcity.net.
