Shelton Commends OK County DA for Del City Decision

State Rep. Mike Shelton today commended prosecutors for filing manslaughter charges against Del City police Capt. Randy Trent Harrison in the shooting death of 18-year-old Dane Garrett Scott Jr. of Del City.

"There are no winners in this case," said Shelton, D-Oklahoma City. "The Scott family will not get their son back, and an officer is now facing criminal charges. However, it is important for our legal system to prove it does not play favorites, and today's action will increase confidence in the system."

4/19/2012 Related Story: Del City Police Officer Charged In Shooting Death Of Teen

Scott died from injuries suffered in an officer-involved shooting in Del City earlier this year. According to police accounts, Scott led them on a chase that ended when he ran into a tractor-trailer rig near I-35 and SE 15th in Oklahoma City. Shots were fired with Scott struck in the back.

Shelton had previously called for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to take over the inquiry due to concerns about having the Del City police force investigate one of their own.

Shelton praised Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater for having the courage to file charges.

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

"DA Prater has proven over and over that he will do the right thing, even when if it is not the popular thing," Shelton said. "I commend him for taking seriously the charges involved in this case."

Shelton said his thoughts and prayers are with both the Scott family and Capt. Harrison and his family.

"My heart goes out to all involved in this tragedy," Shelton said, "because no matter what happens, lives are being changed forever. However, it is important that justice be done in this case, no matter what the consequences."

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