HAMMON, Oklahoma -- Authorities say an Oklahoma man accused in a string of violent crimes who’d been on the run for a week was shot and killed Sunday night after a weeklong manhunt.
Capt. Paul Timmons of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol tweeted word early Monday of the fate of Michael Dale Vance Jr.:
The hunt for Vance has ended, he was killed in a shootout with OHP Troopers earlier tonight
— Capt. Timmons (@capt_timmons) October 31, 2016
The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook early Monday, “We were informed double homicide suspect Michael Dale Vance was killed near Leedey in Dewey County. The Dewey County Sheriff was also injured during a confrontation with the suspect. The Dewey County Sheriff’s injuries are non-life threatening.”
Leedey is some 130 miles northwest of Oklahoma City.
On Facebook, Ellis County, Oklahoma Sheriff Shane Booth said, “The manhunt is over and all Ellis County deputies are fine. Unfortunately, one officer was shot and he is one of my best friends. So, I’m asking for prayers for him. Thank you.”
CBS Oklahoma City affiliate KWTV tweeted an update:
CONFIRMED: Dewey Co. Sheriff Clay Sander was shot in the arm by Vance, injuries said to be non-life threatening. #News9
— News 9 (@NEWS9) October 31, 2016
Vance was wanted in a string of killings, shootings and carjackings, including two counts of first-degree murder for the near-decapitations of two relatives in the town of Luther. Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel described those as “rage killings.” He was also accused of shooting two officers.
Authorities say a chase and shootout began while officers were conducting a perimeter search of the area Sunday evening.
Law officers were called about 5 p.m. Sunday to a wooded area near Hammon in western Oklahoma after a person said they found the silver Mitsubishi Eclipse thought to be stolen by Vance, KWTV reports, adding that an apparent campsite was found after the vehicle drove away from the area.
Law enforcement agencies set up a perimeter and think Vance is still in the perimeter as of 9 p.m.
The Beckham County Sheriff’s Office asked residents to call 911 if they spot a small, silver, two-door car in the area.
Officers were asking residents to be safe and alert while they searched the area.
Hammon Public Schools had said they would be closed Monday due to the search for Vance.
Vance was on the run from law officers since Oct. 23, leading to a statewide manhunt.
