PAWHUSKA, OK – On November 12, 2025, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate an officer-involved shooting.
At around 2:30 p.m., the Pawhuska Police Department responded to a call regarding a domestic assault and battery with a possible dangerous weapon at a residence in the 100 block of Saint Paul Avenue in Pawhuska. Osage County deputies also responded to the scene to assist.
When officers and deputies arrived on scene, it was determined that 44-year-old William Francis Copple had barricaded himself inside the home and made verbal threats toward law enforcement. It was also determined that Copple had an outstanding felony arrest warrant on multiple charges committed in Osage County.
After several hours of negotiation attempts with Copple, officers and deputies made entry into the home.
Once inside the residence, Copple fired his weapon towards officers, leading to an officer-involved shooting. Two Osage County deputies suffered from gunshot wounds. They were transported to a local hospital, where both are expected to make full recoveries.
Copple also suffered from a minor injury and was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Copple was arrested and booked into the Osage County Jail.
On November 25, 2025, Copple was charged by the Osage County District Court with two counts of Shooting with Intent to Kill and one count of Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Copple’s bond regarding these charges is set at $1,000,000.
The OSBI appreciates the Osage County Sheriff’s Office and the Pawhuska Police Department for their continued assistance with this investigation.
