Published: July 28, 2008 12:00 am            

No longer naked, but still nameless

Police still trying to get name of man shot by officer Saturday as he tried to escape in stolen car

Norman police are attempting to identify a naked man shot by an officer following an altercation outside an apartment complex in west Norman shortly before noon Saturday.

"The suspect remains unidentified," said Capt. Leonard Judy. "We have a couple possible identifications on him, but haven't figured out positively who he is."

Officer John Terry shot the man in the chest with his .40 caliber service weapon after responding to a 911 call concerning a man sleeping in a stolen car at the apartment complex. The complex is at 201 S. Creekdale Drive, near West Main Street and 36th Avenue Southwest. The suspect was "apparently not a resident of the apartments, or a resident of Norman," Judy said.

Terry, an eight-year Norman police veteran, was told by dispatchers the vehicle in question was reported stolen from Calera, a town in the Durant area.

Terry reportedly confronted the man and the two fought. Judy said the suspect tried to drive off and was dragging the officer when Terry drew his service weapon and fired, striking the suspect once in the chest.

Both the suspect and the officer were transported to Norman Regional Hospital, where the officer was treated for injuries to his arms and released.?

Terry is on administrative leave with pay pending the conclusion of the shooting investigation, Judy said.

"He is quite relieved the suspect still has his life ahead of him. As I understand it, (the gunshot wound to the chest) could have been a lot worse," Judy said.

The suspect was admitted to Norman Regional Hospital, where he remained Monday afternoon. Detectives had not had an opportunity to question the suspect as of Monday morning, Judy said.

Tom Blakey 366-3540 tblakey@normantranscript.com

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.