07/16/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Creek County Sheriff's Office Announces the Line-of-Duty Death of Deputy Adam James Heitman
Sapulpa, Oklahoma – July 16, 2026
The Creek County Sheriff’s Office is deeply saddened to announce the line-of-duty death of Deputy Adam James Heitman, age 38.
On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, members of the Creek County Sheriff’s Office Task Force, Creek County Sheriff’s deputies, the United States Marshals Service, and the Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police coordinated the apprehension of a wanted felon who was sought on multiple felony warrants and had recently assaulted a law enforcement officer while escaping custody.
Deputy Heitman was a member of the arrest team. During the operation, the suspect attempted to flee by jumping a fence, crossing a creek, and running through an open field. Deputy Heitman and his K-9 partner, Thanos, successfully pursued and apprehended the suspect, who was taken into custody without further incident.
Less than an hour after the arrest, while at the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Heitman suffered a medical emergency. Fellow deputies and Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers immediately rendered aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. Responders from Creek County EMS and the Sapulpa Fire Department performed extensive lifesaving measures before transporting Deputy Heitman to Ascension St. John Sapulpa Hospital. Despite the extraordinary efforts of first responders and medical staff, Deputy Heitman was pronounced deceased at 7:41 p.m.
Prior to joining the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Heitman served two years with the Kiefer Police Department and four years in the United States Marine Corps. During his military service, he served as a Team Leader with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines and deployed to Iraq. He served as a Reconnaissance Marine, Combat Instructor, and Weapons Instructor before being honorably discharged in 2010.
Deputy Heitman joined the Creek County Sheriff’s Office in 2022. During his tenure, he served as a patrol deputy and later as a K-9 handler alongside his partner, Thanos. Within months of joining the agency, Deputy Heitman was credited with saving the life of an overdose victim and was awarded the Sheriff’s Life Saving Award in recognition of his actions.
Deputy Heitman was a highly respected member of the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, the K-9 community, and the law enforcement profession. The respect and admiration he earned throughout his career were evident in the overwhelming response of law enforcement officers who gathered at the hospital and later escorted him to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
“Deputy Heitman exemplified courage, service, and dedication to others. He served his community, his fellow deputies, and his country with honor. His loss is immeasurable, and he will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.”
Deputy Heitman is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced when they become available.
