Ralston man suspected in biohazardous waste dumping

RALSTON, Okla. (AP) – The Pawnee County sheriff says it’s highly likely that a Ralston man, who was arrested after stealing syringes from a hospital, is responsible for the medical waste found in the Arkansas River in eastern Oklahoma.

But Sheriff Mike Waters says he can’t yet confirm the 27-year-old man was behind the dumping of the waste – including syringes, vials and patient ID bracelets – that was recently discovered washed up near Ralston.

Tulsa police arrested the man Monday on complaints of larceny of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

According to an arrest report, he was detained about 4 a.m. Monday by St. John Medical Center security after they found him stealing syringes and controlled substances from "biohazard sharps containers."