Teen Dies by Suicide During an Archery Class After Taking Off-Duty Officer’s Gun, Authorities Say

Teen Takes Off-Duty Officer’s Gun and Commits Suicide During Archery Class: Authorities

A tragic event unfolded during an archery class at a boys’ home in Oklahoma when a 17-year-old boy took an off-duty officer’s gun and fatally shot himself. The incident occurred on October 21, leading to a devastating outcome as reported by authorities. The circumstances surrounding the incident have left many shocked and seeking answers.

The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office received a distressing 911 call from the Tulsa Boys’ Home in Sand Springs, reporting the shooting of the teenager. At the time of the incident, two off-duty Tulsa Police officers were conducting an archery class at the facility. The situation escalated when one of the students unexpectedly seized the gun from the officer’s holster and self-inflicted a fatal gunshot wound.

Casey Roebuck, a spokesperson for the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, revealed that the investigation remains ongoing and is being treated as a suicide case. The teenager, identified as Malaki Montgomery, was under the care of the Department of Human Services (DHS) at the time. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, while the second officer was also volunteering during the class.

The Tulsa Boys’ Home, established in 1918, serves as a residential treatment facility for boys facing emotional, behavioural, and substance abuse challenges. The facility caters to individuals aged between 13 to 18 years old, providing support and care for those in need. The tragic incident has left the community reeling and reflecting on how such a turn of events could have occurred.

According to reports, the archery class, taught by off-duty Tulsa Police Department officers for the past decade, had been incident-free until this unforeseen and tragic incident. Captain Richard Meulenberg of the Tulsa Police Department expressed deep sorrow over the turn of events, highlighting the officer’s dedication to the children in the program. The incident has prompted a review of safety measures and protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.

The organization governing the Tulsa Boys’ Home confirmed the sequence of events and assured the public that emergency services were promptly alerted following the shooting. While details surrounding the incident have been limited out of respect for the privacy of those involved, the organization has enacted its Crisis Intervention Team to provide support to affected individuals.

In times of such distress and tragedy, the community has been urged to come together and offer support to those impacted by the incident. Resources for mental health challenges, emotional distress, and substance use problems have been made available to reach out for help in times of need. As investigations continue into the circumstances that led to this unfortunate event, the focus remains on providing a safe and supportive environment for all individuals involved in the incident.

The tragic loss of a young life during what was meant to be a routine class has sent shockwaves through the region. The need for vigilance and enhanced safety measures in educational and recreational settings has been underscored by this incident. The community’s thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased teenager and all those affected by this heartbreaking event.

As the authorities work tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the teenager’s death, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in all environments. The collective hope is that through understanding and support, such tragedies can be prevented in the future, and communities can heal from the devastating impact of such incidents.