Cache Police Department

05/14/2026

🚨 🚨
During National Police Week, the Cache Police Department would like to recognize the outstanding work and dedication displayed by two of our officers, as well as thank our local law enforcement partners for their continued support and teamwork in keeping our communities safe.

On May 6, 2026, at approximately 12:08 a.m., Sgt. J. Salazar received information regarding a vehicle that had traveled to Cache and was believed to be involved in a possible homicide in the county. Sgt. Salazar immediately responded to the area and requested assistance from Officer D. Jones, who responded from home to assist.

Upon arrival, Sgt. Salazar and Officer Jones quickly assessed the situation and requested additional assistance from the Comanche County Sheriff's Office. Information obtained from the resident, where the truck was located, advised officers the suspect, later identified as Frank Poafpybitty, admitted that he shot and killed another individual before leaving the vehicle and the scene. Officers and deputies secured the scene and continued the investigation.
Later that morning, Sgt. Salazar and Officer Jones responded to another residence where they learned Poafpybitty had recently been but had already left. While speaking with residents, Sgt. Salazar heard what appeared to be yelling coming from a nearby residence to the west. Officers requested assistance from the Comanche Nation Police Department before making contact at the residence.

After receiving consent to enter and search the home, officers located Poafpybitty inside the garage. Poafpybitty complied with Sgt. Salazar’s commands and was safely taken into custody without incident.

The Cache Police Department would like to commend Sgt. Salazar and Officer Jones for their professionalism and commitment to protecting the community. Their actions and teamwork played a critical role in the successful apprehension of a dangerous suspect.
We would also like to extend our appreciation to the Comanche County Sheriff's Office and the Comanche Nation Police Department for their assistance and continued partnership. During National Police Week, we are reminded that strong relationships between agencies are essential in serving and protecting our communities.

The Cache Police Department remains committed to the safety of our citizens and is grateful for the dedication shown daily by all first responders and law enforcement personnel.

Frank Poafpybitty was arrested and charged with 1st Degree Murder, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, and Unlawful Removal of Dead Body. This is an arrest and not a conviction. This case is still under investigation

05/13/2026

🚨UPDATE – Search Warrant Investigation🚨

The Cache Police Department would like to provide an update regarding the search warrant executed on May 11, 2026, at a residence in the 1000 block of West E Avenue in the Town of Cache.

During the investigation, five individuals were detained at the residence. Three individuals were later confirmed to have active warrants and were placed under arrest. Those arrested were identified as Coleman Celestine, Sarah Apauty, and Andrew Addy.

Officers also recovered several stolen items from the property as part of the ongoing investigation.

05/11/2026

🚨Search Warrant🚨

At approximately 0950 hours on May 11, 2026 a search warrant was executed at a residence on the 1000 block of West E Ave in Cache. The Cache Police Department located and detained five individuals inside the residence. Upon securing the residence, three dogs were removed by Cache Animal Control.

During the course of our investigation, three of the five individuals were found to have active warrants and were placed under arrest.

The Cache Police Department located several stolen items and removed them from the property.

05/06/2026

🚨 The Cache Police Department would like to inform the community that this death did not occur in the city limits of Cache. A residence in Cache was searched by law enforcement for evidence related to this crime. The suspect has been located, apprehended and is currently being held at Comanche County Detention Center. There is currently no active threat to the citizens of Cache at this time.🚨

: The Comanche County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a death in Indiahoma.

Officials confirm a suspect has been taken into custody in Cache.

05/04/2026

Congratulations to the new Chief of Police of Lawton!

04/30/2026

Great turn out for great training! Thank you to the Fletcher Police Department for hosting and thank you to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for putting on the training!

04/20/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Leflore County Sheriff’s Office, the Wister Police Department and their entire community during this tragic time.

03/25/2026

Today, we would like to recognize and honor the retirement of K9 Yumi for her dedicated service to our community.

K9 Yumi began her career alongside her handler, Assistant Chief S. Fletcher, in July of 2017, officially becoming a certified K9 in October of 2017.

Throughout her career, Yumi faithfully served with the Comanche County Sheriff’s Office before continuing her service here with the Cache Police Department alongside her handler.

K9 Yumi has been an incredible asset to law enforcement. She has been responsible for the detection of numerous narcotics, assisted multiple agencies across the area, and consistently demonstrated an unmatched work ethic, loyalty, and drive. Her contributions have made a lasting impact not only within our department, but throughout the communities she served.

Today, we thank K9 Yumi for her tremendous service, dedication, and the role she played in keeping our community safe.

As she enters retirement, Yumi will now enjoy a well-deserved life at home with Assistant Chief Fletcher and his family—filled with rest, relaxation, and all the treats she could ever want.

Thank you, K9 Yumi, for a job well done. You have more than earned this next chapter. Enjoy your retirement—you deserve it. - Chief Phelps

01/22/2026

We are saddened to hear of the passing of the Lawton Police Chief. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lawton Police Department, the Chief’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

We stand with our law enforcement family in honoring a life dedicated to service, leadership, and protecting the community.

It is with profound sadness that the City of Lawton shares the passing of Lawton Police Chief James T. Smith, who passed away on January 22, 2026, at the age of 66.

January 22, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Lawton announces with profound sadness the passing of Lawton Police Chief James T. Smith, 66, who died on January 22, 2026.

Chief Smith dedicated more than 35 years to law enforcement and public service. His career began with the Kentucky State Police before continuing with the Jefferson County Police Department, which later merged into the Louisville Metro Police Department. There, he advanced through the ranks to Major and served as Special Operations Division Commander, overseeing numerous specialized units.

Since 2012, Chief Smith had served as Chief of Police for the Lawton Police Department, where he focused on strengthening community partnerships, supporting officer wellness, and building trust between the department and the residents it serves. His leadership and collaboration with civic and city leaders helped advance the City of Lawton’s vision for a new Public Safety Facility that will include a police headquarters, fire station, city jail, and municipal court.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Chief Smith proudly served 30 years in the military, including service in the Kentucky Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves. He retired in 2011 at the rank of Colonel, bringing the discipline and leadership of military service into his work in public safety.

Chief Smith was widely respected across Oklahoma and beyond. In 2024, he became the first officer from Lawton and Comanche County to receive the William “Bill” Tilghman Public Service Award from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame. In 2025, the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police named him Large Agency Chief of the Year in recognition of his leadership, commitment to officer wellness, and service to the Lawton community.

“We are profoundly saddened by his passing,” said City Manager John Ratliff. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family and respectfully ask the community to honor their need for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”

“Chief Smith was more than a law enforcement leader,” said Mayor Stan Booker. “He was a mentor, a protector, and a steady presence for our city. Lawton is better because of his service, and our hearts are with his family, friends, and the entire Lawton Police Department.”

Chief Smith is remembered as a pillar of the Lawton community and a leader whose legacy of service, integrity, and commitment will endure.

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01/19/2026

It is with heavy hearts that the Cache Police Department mourns the passing of Reserve Officer Ben Lehew.

While Ben may not have been seen patrolling the streets as often, his impact on this department was significant and lasting. Behind the scenes, Ben dedicated countless hours to administrative work that helped keep our department organized, improving, and moving forward. His efforts played an important role in helping our agency evolve and better serve our community.

Ben was dependable, selfless, and always willing to step in where help was needed. His commitment to the department and his quiet dedication did not go unnoticed and will not be forgotten.

We are grateful for Ben’s service, his hard work, and the legacy he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those who had the honor of knowing and working alongside him.

Rest easy, Ben. We will take the watch from here.