Four Troopers injured by gunfire; man dies after warrant served in Talihina

TALIHINA, Okla. (AP) – A spokesman for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said four troopers were struck by gunfire or shrapnel while serving a warrant on a man, who later died.

Capt. Paul Timmons said local authorities had asked for assistance in serving the warrant on the man early Friday. Timmons said the group was immediately met by gunfire, followed by a fire that quickly broke out in downtown Talihina, about 150 miles southeast of Oklahoma City.

The man’s name hasn’t been released. Timmons said he is dead. He said the four troopers are expected to recover from their injuries.

A fifth trooper who was wearing a bulletproof vest was also struck by gunfire, but wasn’t hurt. Timmons says the vest likely saved the trooper’s life.

Firefighters are still working to contain the fire in downtown Talihina. Timmons says authorities are investigating whether the home was booby-trapped to cause the fire.