Pawnee Police Department

05/30/2026

The Pawnee Police Department would like to thank the Tulsa Police Department’s Mingo Valley Street Crimes Unit for their outstanding work in locating and apprehending a wanted fugitive on May 29, 2026.

Through their efforts and coordination with our department, Robert Tryon, who was wanted out of Pawnee on felony charges including First Degree R**e and Abuse by Caretaker, was taken into custody without incident and is being held for transfer to Pawnee County.

This arrest highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the strong partnerships that help keep our communities safe.

These are criminal allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

05/23/2026

Update: Cory Flinchum is in custody. Flinchum turned himself in to the Pawnee county jail at around 1400 hours May 26.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Pawnee Police Department
May 23, 2026

There has been a significant amount of misinformation circulating regarding law enforcement operations conducted on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The Pawnee Police Department believes it is important to provide accurate information regarding the events that occurred and the actions taken by law enforcement personnel.

On May 8, 2026, the Pawnee Police Department received information from reporting parties regarding a suspect. The information provided had reportedly been obtained by those parties on April 7, 2026. Officers immediately initiated an investigation to verify the claims, gather evidence, and determine whether probable cause existed for further legal action. As the investigation progressed, search warrants were obtained and law enforcement resources were coordinated for the ex*****on of those warrants on May 16, 2026.

Prior to the operation being carried out, a non-law enforcement entity unexpectedly made contact with the suspect. That unforeseen contact created operational concerns and required officers to divert resources in order to prevent compromising the investigation and preserve the integrity of the case.

The suspect was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Pawnee County Jail for booking. Upon arrival, the jail declined to accept the arrestee due to a documented chronic medical condition. At no time during the incident was the individual injured or suffering from a medical emergency.

Officers then attempted to obtain medical clearance through ambulance services; however, officers were advised that such clearance would not satisfy the jail’s booking requirements. In order to comply with those requirements and ensure continuity within the judicial process, officers transported the suspect to the hospital for evaluation.

Following evaluation, medical staff admitted the suspect for further observation. During that time, a judge reviewed the circumstances and granted the arrestee a medical recognizance bond. The individual was subsequently released with notice to appear in court for arraignment on the filed charges.

The Pawnee Police Department also wishes to advise the public that officers are actively pursuing all available leads regarding the whereabouts of Cory Flinchum. Flinchum currently has a felony warrant for his arrest. The Pawnee Police Department will continue to pursue all credible information and investigative leads until he is located and taken into custody.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Cory Flinchum is encouraged to contact the Pawnee Police Department through this page or by email at [email protected].

It is important for the public to understand that law enforcement officers have both a constitutional and legal obligation to ensure individuals in custody receive appropriate medical attention when necessary. The United States Supreme Court has long recognized that deliberate indifference to the serious medical needs of a person in custody may constitute a violation of constitutional rights. In Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97 (1976), the Court held that denying necessary medical care to incarcerated individuals may violate the Eighth Amendment. Additionally, in City of Revere v. Massachusetts General Hospital, 463 U.S. 239 (1983), the Supreme Court affirmed that governmental entities have a duty under the Fourteenth Amendment to provide medical care to persons requiring medical attention while being apprehended or held in custody. Law enforcement agencies cannot ignore medical concerns or refuse evaluation when questions regarding an arrestee’s medical condition are raised.

We understand the public’s interest in this matter; however, we encourage citizens to rely on verified facts rather than speculation, rumors, or misinformation circulated through social media. Law enforcement actions are governed by evidence, legal procedure, medical considerations, and judicial oversight.

The Pawnee Police Department also reminds the public that criminal charges are allegations, not convictions. Under the United States Constitution, all individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Pawnee Police Department
Chief Ensign

05/23/2026

On Friday, May 22, 2026, the Pawnee Police Department arrested Joel Thomas on charges of aggravated possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This arrest is the result of a months-long investigation involving multiple search warrants and extensive coordination between agencies.

The Pawnee Police Department would like to thank the Stillwater Police Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance and partnership throughout this investigation.

As always, these are allegations only, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Pawnee police arrest a man who is charged with aggravated possession child sexual abuse material and violating the computer crimes act.

WHO: Joel Thomas

WHAT THE PROBABLE CAUSE AFFIDAVIT SAYS HAPPENED:

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

-February 26, 2026: A cyber tip came in through the Center for Missing and Exploited Children about 2 accounts with images of children being sexually abused.
-Thomas was in jail for something else so his phone was confiscated.
-Warrants showed 189 pictures and videos on the accounts depicting the sexual abuse of children.
-They revealed 931 pictures and videos (122 gigabytes) on his phone showing children in bo***ge, being tortured and r***d plus 19 files of be******ty.
-Many of his accounts had been suspended for severe rules violations.
-They also found conversations soliciting minors or guardians of minors for sexual activity.

PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS:
-May 2025- domestic assault, 2 year deferred sentence

-May 2024 - cruelty to animals, 5 years suspended sentence

-March 2024 - burglary, 5 years deferred
-March 2026 - broke the rules and sentenced to 30 days in jail plus 4 years, 11 months suspended.

-The new charges are not convictions.
KOTV - News On 6

05/16/2026

🚨 PAWNEE POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE 🚨

On May 16, 2026, officers with the Pawnee Police Department executed three separate search warrants within the City of Pawnee as part of ongoing criminal investigations. As a result of these operations, the following arrests were made:

🔹 One individual was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

🔹 One individual was arrested for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, Solicitation of a Minor, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

🔹 One individual was arrested for Solicitation of a Minor for Sexual Contact, Providing Pornographic Material to a Minor, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

🤝 The Pawnee Police Department would like to thank the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Division for their assistance during today’s operations.

⚖️ The Pawnee Police Department reminds the public that these are criminal allegations only. All individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

🛡️ Crimes involving the exploitation of children and the distribution of illegal narcotics will not be ignored. The Pawnee Police Department remains committed to protecting our community, standing up for victims, and aggressively pursuing those who prey on others.

If you exploit children, target minors online, or bring dangerous drugs into our community, understand this:
We will pursue every lead, use every available resource, and hold offenders accountable.

05/13/2026

On Saturday, May 9th, a couple of our officers had the honor of participating in the 11th Annual Oklahoma Law Ride to honor fallen officers and help raise funds for the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Memorial. 🏍️🇺🇸💙

The ride brought together law enforcement officers, families, and supporters from across the state to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

With riders representing agencies from all over Oklahoma, the day served as a powerful reminder that the law enforcement community is more than a profession… it’s a family.

Every mile ridden helps support the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Memorial and ensures the sacrifice and legacy of our fallen officers are never forgotten.

We are grateful to stand beside so many who continue to serve, support, and remember. Thank you to everyone who organized, participated in, and supported this meaningful event. 🇺🇸🏍️💙

05/12/2026

Congratulations Pride of Pawnee Band!

05/10/2026

🌸💙 Happy Mother’s Day from the Pawnee Police Department 💙🌸

Today, we celebrate the women who hold families together, shape the hearts of future generations, and make our communities stronger every single day. Mothers are more than caregivers — they are protectors, teachers, encouragers, counselors, and the steady foundation many people lean on through life’s toughest moments.

The love of a mother leaves a lasting impact that can never truly be measured. The sacrifices, sleepless nights, endless prayers, hard conversations, and unwavering support often happen quietly behind the scenes, but they help build the character, strength, and values that guide our families and our community.

Strong mothers help create strong communities. Their compassion teaches kindness. Their discipline teaches responsibility. Their love teaches people how to care for one another.

To every mother, grandmother, stepmother, foster mother, and mother figure — thank you for all you do, seen and unseen. And to the mothers serving in law enforcement, dispatch, healthcare, education, emergency services, and beyond — thank you for balancing service to others while caring for those you love most.

Today, we honor YOU. 💐

From all of us at the Pawnee Police Department, we wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day! 🚔🇺🇸