OKLAHOMA COUNTY — A grand jury has declined to recommend criminal charges against officers involved in two separate deadly use‑of‑force incidents in Oklahoma County, including one in southwest Oklahoma City.
The Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that the grand jury returned “no bills” in both cases, indicating jurors found insufficient evidence to pursue charges.
OKC case: Officer fatally shoots man during disturbance
One case involved the Sept. 24 shooting of Jason Redshirt in southwest Oklahoma City. Officers responded to a disturbance around 3 a.m. in the 3000 block of SW 64th Terrace.
As previously reported by Oklahoma City Free Press, an officer found Redshirt outside a home causing a disturbance and attempted to deescalate the situation.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Redshirt yelled, cursed, and used racial slurs before advancing aggressively. The officer used pepper spray. Redshirt then went into a nearby residence and threw a wooden board that struck the officer, police believe. He later threw a large piece of cemented bricks, prompting the officer to shoot him .
Officers gave medical aid until paramedics arrived. Redshirt later died at a hospital.
Jurors reviewed testimony from two witnesses and 32 pieces of evidence, including body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, and crime-scene photographs, before returning a no bill.
Midwest City case: Pursuit ends in fatal crash
The other case involved Brice Edwards, who died after a high‑speed pursuit in Midwest City on Nov. 3. Police were notified that a man in Harrah had been assaulted with a metal pipe and robbed of his vehicle. Midwest City officers located the stolen vehicle and attempted a stop. Edwards refused to pull over and led officers on a pursuit reaching speeds up to 85 mph, police believe .
The pursuit ended on SE 15th Street after an officer used a Tactical Vehicle Intervention, causing Edwards’ vehicle to strike another car. Edwards died from the collision, and the second driver had minor injuries.
Jurors heard from three witnesses and reviewed 17 exhibits before issuing a no bill for the officer.
Secret grand jury review
The Oklahoma County Grand Jury, convened in May, is composed of county residents who review evidence presented by prosecutors to determine whether charges are warranted. Grand jury proceedings are confidential under state law.
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.
