Law‑enforcement officials in Oklahoma concluded a three‑day manhunt Thursday morning after they dismantled a house on County Road 1530, about nine miles east of Rush Springs, and arrested Michael Garrett.
Background of the pursuit
Garrett was wanted for allegedly firing at Bryan County deputies and a homeowner following a botched burglary earlier in the week. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) deployed a drone to locate his hideout, confirming his presence in a rural residence.
Standoff and tactics
Lt. Mark Southall, OHP’s public information officer, said officers gave Garrett multiple commands over roughly six hours. “We released gas into the residence, trying to coax him out of the residence to end this peacefully,” Southall explained.
When Garrett refused to surrender, authorities decided to bring the standoff to a close using heavy equipment. “We made a decision to pull an excavator and start dismantling the house piece by piece, until we finally cornered him where he had nowhere to go,” Southall said.
Arrest and aftermath
The excavator’s work removed any possible escape routes, and Garrett was taken into custody without further violence. Aerial footage captured the moment he was escorted out of the demolished structure.
Garrett’s mother, Tammy Garrett, expressed mixed emotions. While saddened by the loss of the home, she praised the officers for ensuring her son’s safety. “We’re going to keep your son alive. And in that, he did that, you know, and that’s the main thing,” she said.
Community response
Local residents praised the measured approach taken by OHP, noting that the use of an excavator avoided a potentially dangerous gunfight. The operation underscores the department’s commitment to protecting both public safety and the lives of individuals involved in high‑risk incidents.
Authorities continue to investigate the burglary and the alleged shootings, and Garrett now faces charges related to the incidents. The OHP reminded the public that they remain vigilant and will employ all lawful tools to protect Oklahoma communities.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
