Deputy Sheriff Charles Thomas Reed

Charles Thomas Reed

Deputy Sheriff Charles Reed was shot and killed seven miles south of Okemah as he attempted to arrest a man who had threatened to kill several Indian youths.

The man had been looking for his estranged wife and other family members but could not find them. He encountered the youths and asked if they knew where the women were. When the youths responded that they didn't know the man brandished a handgun and threatened to kill them.

The boys drove to Deputy Reed's home and told of him the incident. Deputy Reed then picked up another deputy and then drove to the area where they located the man sitting in his car. As they approached him the man opened fire, mortally wounding Deputy Reed. Both Deputy Reed and the other deputy returned fire as the man fled on foot from the vehicle. The man was shot several times and killed.

Deputy Reed had served with the Okfuskee County Sheriff's Office for at least 15 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.