Lawmaker Calls On OSBI To Investigate Teen Shot In Del City

A state lawmaker has called on the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to take over the inquiry into the police shooting of a teenager in Del City.

Friday, March 23rd 2012, 5:19 pm

By: News 9


A state lawmaker has called on the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to take over the inquiry into the police shooting of a teenager in Del City.

Dane Scott Jr. was shot and killed by Del City Police after a high-speed chase on March 14. The chase ended when Scott crashed the car into a tractor trailer near SE 15th and I-35. Police say Scott again tried to get away, but when an officer tried to pin him in he got out of the vehicle, and police say he had a gun. That is when the officer opened fire.

3/15/2012 Related Story: Del City Police Identify Teenager Shot, Killed By Police

Now State Rep. Mike Shelton is asking for OSBI to take over the inquiry.

"For an impartial investigation, I believe the OSBI must step in and take this inquiry over from the Del City police," said Shelton, D-Oklahoma City. "Witness and police accounts of the shooting are at odds, and local citizens will have a hard time accepting the word of the Del City Police Department when they are investigating one of their own. Even if the investigation is handled correctly, doubt will linger. To avoid having this situation turn into an even bigger controversy, I believe state officials should be put in charge."

After the shooting, witnesses described a different scene than police, disagreeing on Scott's behavior and whether or not he even had a gun. The teenager's family was also outraged, saying Scott was shot in the back. The Medical examiner's office confirms that.

3/14/2012 Related Story: Del City Police, Witnesses Disagree On Facts Surrounding Shooting

Shelton says he has been contacted by several community members and even one member of Scott's family who support OSBI intervention.

"Local residents and families members have reached out for direction and help," Shelton said. "It is clear the community supports an OSBI investigation."

For OSBI to intervene, Shelton noted a formal request would be required from one of three local officials: Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel, Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater, and Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt.

"This is a tragic situation, and we must ensure that the investigation is as above-board as possible to provide closure to all involved," Shelton said. "I hope Sheriff Whetsel, DA Prater, or Attorney General Pruitt will act quickly to allow OSBI to begin their work."

No word yet on how soon that decision could be made.

3/14/2012 Related Story: Suspect In Del City High- Speed Chase Dies At Hospital


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