BRYAN COUNTY, Oklahoma – The Bryan County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for Michael Nathan‑Dale Garrett, a 39‑year‑old white male described as 6 feet tall, weighing about 190 pounds, with brown hair, blue eyes, and a black backpack. Garrett is wanted for allegedly shooting a homeowner and then opening fire on deputies who arrived to investigate the break‑in.
Details of the incident
According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect broke into a residence in Mead, Oklahoma, around 1:42 p.m. on Monday. After the homeowner was shot, deputies responded to the call. Witnesses say Garrett fled the scene and, when confronted by law‑enforcement, fired multiple rounds at the officers before escaping.
The department issued a Blue Alert—a public safety notification designed to locate a dangerous individual involved in a serious attack against a law‑enforcement officer. The alert asks the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the suspect.
What the public can do
Authorities stress that anyone who sees Garrett or has information about his whereabouts should call 911 right away. The sheriff’s office is following up on every tip and believes the suspect may have left the immediate area, but the search remains ongoing.
Garrett was last seen wearing a white shirt, dark sweatpants, and carrying a black backpack. He is considered armed and dangerous. Residents are advised not to approach the suspect and to keep a safe distance if they encounter him.
Law‑enforcement response
Deputies from the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, along with state troopers, are coordinating the manhunt. The department is using the Blue Alert system to disseminate the suspect’s description to neighboring jurisdictions and to the public via local media and highway signs.
“Our top priority is the safety of our community,” said Bryan County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson. “We are working tirelessly to locate Mr. Garrett and bring him to justice. We ask residents to stay alert and report any information that could help us apprehend him quickly.”
Background on Blue Alerts
A Blue Alert is issued when a law‑enforcement officer is seriously injured or killed, and the suspect poses an ongoing threat to public safety. The system is similar to the more widely known AMBER Alert, but it focuses specifically on threats to police officers.
Since its inception, the Blue Alert program has helped capture dangerous suspects and prevent further violence. In Oklahoma, the program is activated by the state police in coordination with local agencies.
Community impact
The incident has raised concerns among residents of Mead and surrounding areas. Local leaders are urging calm while emphasizing the importance of community cooperation with law‑enforcement efforts.
“We understand the fear this situation creates,” said a Mead city council member. “We appreciate the swift response from our deputies and ask everyone to stay safe and report any leads.”
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting and will release additional details as the investigation progresses.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
