09/08/2026
🚨MEDIA RELEASE🚨
The Bryan County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the concerns surrounding a physical altercation involving adults and juveniles that occurred in the Sandpoint area on the night of September 5.
At the time calls concerning the altercation began coming into our Communications Center, Bryan County deputies were actively responding to a separate, high-risk incident involving an individual experiencing a mental health crisis who had barricaded himself inside a residence with a fi***rm.
Because our deputies were committed to safely resolving that situation, we requested assistance from the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department and Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department to respond to the Sandpoint area until Bryan County deputies became available.
Upon arrival, Lighthorse officers began identifying individuals involved, including potential victims, witnesses, and suspects. During the initial investigation, it was learned that one of the individuals involved in the incident was an off-duty police officer employed by a local law enforcement agency within Bryan County.
Because a local law enforcement officer was involved, it was determined that the most appropriate course of action was for an outside law enforcement agency to continue the investigation. This decision was made to ensure the investigation remains independent, impartial, and free from any actual or perceived conflict of interest.
I have been in contact with the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department, and the case has been assigned to their Investigations Division for further investigation.
The Bryan County Sheriff’s Office believes strongly in transparency and accountability. At the same time, we must allow investigators the opportunity to conduct a thorough investigation based on the evidence and facts. We will continue to keep the public informed as additional information becomes available and can appropriately be released.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has video or photographs, or possesses other information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department at (580) 436-1166 or the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office at (580) 924-3000.
Sheriff Joey W. Tucker
Bryan County Sheriff’s Office
