OKLAHOMA CITY — Police report an officer shot a man early Wednesday after he allegedly threw bricks and pieces of wood at an officer. The man remains hospitalized.
This is the 5th police shooting for the Oklahoma City Police Department in 2025.
The incident began when a patrol officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department was dispatched about 3:11 a.m. in the 3000 block of Southwest 64th Terrace to check on a disturbance.
Sgt. Christopher Skinner, who has served with the department for 10 years, was the first to arrive. Officers said he found Jason Redshirt, 45, outside a home, shouting, according to a statement from PIO Capt. Valerie Littlejohn.
Skinner tried to de-escalate the situation, but police state that Redshirt cursed at him and yelled racial slurs. When Redshirt moved toward him aggressively, Skinner used pepper spray, according to police.
Redshirt then went into a trailer filled with wood and bricks and began throwing the items at Skinner, striking him, police report. At that point, Redshirt was shot.
Officers provided medical aid until paramedics arrived. Redshirt was taken to a hospital, where he remained Wednesday.
Skinner had minor injuries, police report.
Redshirt was arrested and, once released from medical care, faces a complaint of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a police officer.
Internal investigation begins
The internal investigation into Skinner’s actions now begins as he goes on routine administrative leave.
In police shootings – internally termed “officer-involved shootings” – the officer goes on paid administrative leave while OKCPD investigators gather evidence.
Then, that information is turned over to Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna, who has determined that all officer-involved shootings will go before a grand jury to decide whether to bring charges against the officer.
Once that decision has been made, the internal investigation moves forward after questions about whether the shooting was a crime have been resolved.
Brett is the founder, and editor in chief of Oklahoma City Free Press. He continues to contribute reporting and photography to the efforts of the publication as well as leadership in developing support.
