Man Accused of Posing as Census Worker to Shoot Ex-Girlfriend's New Boyfriend

By Adrianna Iwasinski, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A Lincoln County man was shot in the face by someone pretending to be a census worker, authorities said.

Howard Wolff is recovering in an Oklahoma City hospital after being shot in the face and shoulder.

John Wellington, 67, was arrested on a complaint of shooting with intent to kill in connection to the shooting.

Family members said Wellington pretended to be a census worker when he approached Howard Wolff at his home. When Wolff refused to let him in, he pulled a gun out, pointed it at his face, and pulled the trigger, family members said.

The family said Wolff recalled at least six shots being fired at him, and that he saw his attacker even reload his gun.

"The man obviously had intentions of killing the entire family. Howard's daughter and grandson were inside the house, and he was smart enough to not let him in," said Joe Kyle, a Wolff family friend.

The Wolff family said Wellington used to date Howard's current girlfriend.

The Lincoln County Sheriff said Wellington was stopped by Stroud police right before he made it back onto the Turnpike just minutes after the shooting.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Education, Wellington was a principal at Coalgate Schools from 1978 to1985. He was also a teacher in Antlers for the 2004-2005 school year, but his teaching certification expired in 2009.

Wellington is in jail on a $2 million bond.