Deputy Saves Inmate from Committing Suicide in Court

News9.com

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- A Cleveland County deputy is being hailed as a hero after his quick action saved the life of a sex offender who was trying to commit suicide.

Authorities said at about 5:15 p.m. Thursday, a Cleveland County judge had just revoked the probation of 43-year-old Troy Leal, a man with a long history of sex offenses.

At that point Leal reportedly took an Exacto knife out of his pocket and began to stab himself in the throat, but that's when Deputy Steve Lucas intervened.

"Deputy Steve Lucas is a long time Norman police officer, a decorated officer. We're glad to have him, and because of his actions, his fast actions with this guy, in the process of disarming and tazing him, it may have saved the gentleman's life because he was making other attempts to stab himself in the neck as well," said Cleveland County Undersheriff Rhett Burnett.

Deputy Lucas, who is the son of District Judge Tom Lucas, was taken to the hospital with cuts on his arms. He is now at home recovering.

Leal, the defendant, was listed in critical condition Friday morning.