Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma

09/01/2026

This morning, the Delaware County Commissioners addressed the implementation of a burn ban in the county. It was decided that the burn ban will be in effect from September 1, 2026, until September 15, 2026. The county's fire chiefs have indicated that the fire risk will be particularly high in the coming days.

We urge the residents of Delaware County to understand that law enforcement will be actively monitoring compliance with the burn ban. Individuals found igniting fires during this period will face citations without prior warnings. It is important to note that even the act of discarding ci******es from a moving vehicle that leads to a fire can result in liability for damages and potential criminal charges. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity by calling 911.

08/27/2026

We extend our gratitude to all our SRO’s at the schools, and let us not forget our dedicated teachers and staff. Your commitment to mentoring and guiding our future generations is invaluable and deeply appreciated. Thank you for your significant impact you make every day.

A big THANK YOU to Officer O’Neal for providing lunch for our staff today! We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity. Your support means so much to our school family! 💙

08/10/2026

******** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ********

In conjunction with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, the Delaware County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant in Colcord, Oklahoma area on 07/30/2026. The search was conducted as part of an ongoing investigation involving suspected stolen property located on the property.

During the ex*****on of the search warrant, investigators identified and recovered several items that had been reported stolen from multiple areas. The recovered property included a Case backhoe, multiple trailers, and one vehicle estimated value of over $200,000. These items were secured as evidence and will be processed for return to their rightful owners as the investigation continues.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office appreciates the cooperation provided by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture with this investigation. The Sheriff's Office remains committed to recovering stolen property, holding offenders accountable, and returning recovered items to their owners whenever possible.

07/31/2026

*******FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*******

Today, the Delaware County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a vicious dog that had been tied up near the Cowskin Fire Station.

Deputies contacted Second Chance Animal Rescue to determine whether the dog could be safely rehabilitated and placed for adoption. After evaluating the animal, it became immediately apparent that the dog's aggression was far more severe than initially believed. The dog repeatedly charged at every individual who attempted to approach and would not back away unless those individuals retreated. Based on the dog's behavior and the immediate threat it posed to public safety, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize the animal.

Putting an animal down is never our first choice, and we understand how difficult these situations can be. However the primary responsibility of Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is protecting the safety of the public. Given the significant risk of serious injury or death, this was determined to be the safest and most appropriate course of action.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office is also asking for the public's assistance in identifying the dog and locating its owner. If you recognize the animal or have information about who owned or cared for it, please contact the Delaware County Sheriff's Office. Any information could be helpful to the ongoing investigation.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office appreciates the assistance of Second Chance Animal Rescue and Grove Police Department and thanks the community for its understanding as we work to keep everyone safe.

06/24/2026

Delaware County is experiencing significant flooding on its roads due to recent heavy rainfall. If you find yourself facing water over a roadway, it is crucial to avoid driving through it.

Even a small current can easily carry away a vehicle, endangering your life and complicating rescue efforts for first responders. If you encounter a flooded road, turn back and seek an alternative route; no destination is worth jeopardizing your safety.

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Title 47. Motor Vehicles:

§47-11-1302. Maintenance and construction zones.

a. The Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and any county or city in this state are hereby authorized to close any highway or section thereof, within their respective jurisdiction, to traffic while the highway is flooded or under repair, maintenance or construction and, in exercising the authority, shall erect or cause to be erected traffic-control devices and barricades to warn and notify the public that the highway has been closed to traffic.

Violating road closure signs can lead to fines and court costs, but it can also result in extra expenses from emergency services due to noncompliance.

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05/19/2026

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to the Cherokee Nation Marshals, Grove Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, District 13 Task Force, and Grove EMS for their assistance with tonight’s incident in the Honey Creek area. We appreciate the public's understanding as we prioritized safety, which included managing delays on Highway 59. The situation concluded without further incident, as we successfully took Gregory Derose into custody. Our thoughts are with the family whose home that was hit with a round fired from a pistol from across Highway 59, and we are relieved that they were unharmed. Thank you once again for your cooperation with the Sheriff’s Office.

05/19/2026

As of right now, Highway 59 from Honey Creek bridge to Lakeroad 6 (E 320) is shut down due to public safety concerns. We are working diligently to make the area safe. Thank you all for your understanding and patience. SHERIFF THOMAS

04/30/2026

As the 2025-2026 school year draws to a close, numerous events are being organized to help students unwind. Recently, Sheriff Thomas was invited to the Cleora Schools to serve as a judge for an outdoor archery event. Regardless of the judging role, it was clear that everyone emerged as a winner! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff, the enthusiastic students of Cleora Schools, and our School Resource Officer, Deputy Downing, for creating a day filled with fun and camaraderie. With such bright futures ahead for these students, we wish everyone a wonderful conclusion to the school year!