Man Armed With Hammer Who Lunged At Tahlequah Police Shot, Killed

The Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation says a 49-year-old man was shot and killed by Tahlequah police officers Friday evening. 

The OSBI say the Tahlequah Police Department asked them to investigate.

They said police were called about a disturbance involving an intoxicated man in the 400 block of Shawnee Court at 9:35 p.m.  Upon their arrival, officers found 49-year-old Dominic Rollice of Tahlequah in a home's garage.  

Police Chief Nate King said Rollice retreated back inside the garage and picked up a claw hammer.  After refusing several commands to put the hammer down, King said Dominic Rollice lunged at the officers.  Tasers and handguns were fired at Rollice to stop the threat, according to Chief King.  

Rollice was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

In a statement, the OSBI says once their investigation is complete, they will turn it over to the Cherokee County DA's office.

Chief Nate King says the three officers, Lt. Brandon Vick, Officer Josh Girdner and Officer Chase Reed have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

King expects to release the police body cam video of the entire incident at a later date.

Court records show Dominic Rollice pled no contest to a 2015 child sexual abuse charge in Cherokee County and was serving a suspended sentence.