MWC Police Shoot Man Who Reportedly Shot Rifle, Pistol In The Air Near Gas Station

A Midwest City man was rushed to the hospital on Friday after officers shot him at a gas station.

Midwest City police identified the man as 31-year-old Taylor Slaughter.

Bob Mills SkyNews 9 flew over the scene near East Reno Avenue and Air Depot Boulevard. Crime tape stretched a block, ending at a Valero gas station.

The shooting happened across the street from a group practicing their motorcycle riding skills.

“We heard it and then we heard it again as it was getting closer,” said Matt Stevens, an eyewitness.

Stevens first thought the noise was a car backfiring but quickly realized he heard gunshots.

“Noticed it was a guy walking with a rifle just shooting up in the air,” said Stevens. “A couple cops around him trying to get him to stop.”

Police officials said the man ignored the officer's commands to drop the gun.

“At one time it looked like his gun was empty and was going to reload,” said Sid Porter, Midwest City Police Department interim chief. “The officer tried to tase him but was unable to get that effective.”

Porter said the man put the rifle down, kept walking towards Valero and eventually pulling out a pistol.

“I notice the cop on the other side shooting towards his feet,” said Stevens. “Coming towards us and at the point everyone just kind of moved and scattered.”

Police said the man dropped the gun but went back after the weapon.

“Another officer fired a round and then they were able to take him into custody,” said Porter. 

The officers hit the man in his leg and in his chest.

Eyewitnesses watched police render first aid and an SSM Midwest ambulance rushed the suspect to the hospital.

“He was having a pretty bad day, I would imagine,” said Stevens. “To me, it didn’t seem like he was trying to hurt anybody. ... Who knows what he was going through.”

Slaughter was taken to a local hospital and is expected to survive, police said.

Police said no officers or citizens were injured by the gunfire. The officers who fired at the man are on paid administrative leave.