Oktaha, Oklahoma – Deputies responded to reports of gunfire near Oktaha Public Schools Tuesday, triggering a brief school lockdown and investigation.
According to the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched after multiple shots were reported in the area of the school earlier in the day. Oktaha Public Schools was placed on lockdown while law enforcement responded.
Authorities said a Muskogee County deputy contacted a suspect roughly 600 feet from school property shortly after arriving. The individual had already stopped firing and had put away the firearm before deputies made contact.
Investigators identified the individual as Trace Choate, who deputies say is a convicted felon allegedly prohibited from possessing a firearm.
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators obtained and executed a search warrant for Choate’s property as part of the investigation. During the search, deputies reported finding a semi-automatic pistol, live rounds of ammunition, and multiple spent shell casings near a camper on the property.
Authorities also located a target that had been struck multiple times by gunfire, according to the sheriff’s office.
Choate was not present when deputies executed the search warrant, officials said. However, deputies later observed a vehicle believed to be driven by Choate and conducted a traffic stop.
He was taken into custody without incident, according to investigators.
No injuries were reported, and officials did not indicate that the school itself was directly targeted.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details have not yet been released by authorities.
The temporary lockdown was lifted after deputies determined there was no immediate threat to the school. Situations like this can be especially concerning for students and commuters in smaller communities where schools and nearby properties are closely connected.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office.
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