News / Society

Oklahoma police search gunman who killed 2 people, hurt 2 cops

Monday, 24 October 2016 6:59 AM [ Last Update: Monday, 24 October 2016 10:25 AM ]

Michael Vance (Photo by US police)

Police in the US state of Oklahoma have launched a manhunt for a gunman who managed to run away after killing two people and injuring three others, including two police officers.

The assailant, identified by police as Michael Vance, opened fire at the officers who were responding to a reported shooting near Wellston, Lincoln County on Sunday night, Lincoln County Sheriff Charlie Dougherty said.

The officers, who both were shot in the leg, fired back at Vance and hit him in the torso at least twice, Dougherty added.

Vance, however, managed to flee the scene in a patrol pickup and drove to a mobile home park nearby, where he carjacked a woman and injured her by firing his AK-47.

Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office later on confirmed that Vance had killed two of his family members, whose bodies were found in a home near the Redbud Energy Facility in Luther.

Up until the early hours of Monday, police had no idea of Vance’s whereabouts and could not confirm if he was still armed with his lethal weapon, which can fire bullets that pierce police body armor.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation were assisting state officials with the search and the ongoing investigation.

Local residents were advised to practice extra vigilance as Vance was armed and extremely dangerous.

Police said the suspect might have stolen another car and headed north.

The officers had taken one man into custody with relation to the incident but the exact reason for his arrest was not immediately clear.

Vance was recently released from a local prison, where he had served time for sexually assaulting a child, Dougherty said.

His rap sheet also included previous arrests on charges of obtaining cash or merchandise with fraudulent checks, felony larceny of an automobile, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and assault and battery.

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