Officer Claude E. Ryan

Claude E. Ryan

Officer Claude Ryan was shot and killed when he interrupted a burglary in progress at a local warehouse at approximately 9:30 pm.

A local auto dealer manager saw Officer Ryan pass by and then heard a gunshot in an alley a few minutes later. Officer Ryan's body was found in the alley with a gunshot wound to the chest. The warehouse next to where Officer Ryan was found had been burglarized.

Four suspects were eventually apprehended. Three were convicted of murder and sentenced to life. The fourth suspect was acquitted.

Officer Ryan had served with the Okemah Police Department for four years.