OSBI Gives Evidence In Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting To DA

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has turned over its report of a fatal Owasso officer-involved shooting to the Rogers County district attorney.

The OSBI was asked to investigate after the fatal shooting of Duane Preciado on March 21, 2018.

In a statement, District Attorney Matt Ballard said:

“The OSBI has conducted a thorough investigation and presented the evidence collected and further briefed my staff, including my chief criminal prosecutor, first assistant, chief investigator, and myself. After reviewing the evidence provided, we have not requested any further information and are satisfied that the investigation is complete, pending compilation of the final report. I will announce my formal finding(s) when the final report is complete, which I understand will be very soon.”

Owasso Police said officers Casey Lawson and Laura Lehner responded to a home on East 108th Place North in Owasso. They were told Preciado, an Afghanistan war veteran, was threatening suicide.

They said officers made contact with Preciado, who threatened to shoot them. One officer said he saw what he believed to be a rifle or shotgun.

Both officers moved behind a vehicle in a neighboring driveway for cover. While moving, they heard what they believed to be a bullet being chambered into the gun.

While behind the vehicle, officers heard Preciado yelling at them, saying he was going to kill them.

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They said Preciado left the house and started walking toward the officers’ patrol car while holding a loaded AK-47 and Glock. They said he yelled at the officers, “Kill me, kill me,” as he approached the street.

Officers said they yelled commands at Preciado but he didn’t obey, then, they said he turned toward the offices and raised the guns toward them.

Both officers fired at Preciado.

3/22/2018 Related Story: Man Dies After Being Shot By Police At Owasso Home

In a news release, the Owasso Police Department said:

“The Owasso Police Department is saddened by the necessity to take a life. In the vast majority of incidents, officers are able to de-escalate a situation or use or use lesser means of force to resolve an issue. In this instance, Preciado gave the officers no choice but to defend their lives and the lives of innocent citizens in the neighborhood. After Preciado threatened to shoot the officers, they retreated to safety. Preciado left his home armed with two loaded firearms while stating his intent to kill the officers. Preciado refused to drop the guns and instead pointed the guns at the officers, forcing them to shoot.

“Mr. Preciado spent many years in defense of our country. His life should be honored for this service and not tarnished by the choices he made on this day. The Owasso Police Department wants to extend its gratitude to the citizens of Owasso for their show of support for our officers and the empathy expressed for the Preciado Family.”