Woodward County Sheriff's Office

03/28/2025

DURANT, OK (March 28, 2025) – The Bryan County Sheriff’s Office regrets to announce the unexpected passing of Sheriff Johnny Christian last night at home. Christian was 58.

Christian was serving his third term as Sheriff, first elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020 and 2024. As a fourth-generation resident of Bryan County, Sheriff Christian became a legend in Oklahoma law enforcement and brought decades of experience and proven leadership to the Sheriff's Office.

We are deeply saddened and shocked at the death of Sheriff Christian, we are forever grateful for the work he tirelessly provided to keep the citizens of Bryan County safe and protected. He was a gentle giant who was a shining example to hundreds of officers across the state.

More information wil be made available as appropriate.

02/13/2025

WOMAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING WOODWARD COUNTY SHOOTING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FEBRUARY 12, 2025

WOODWARD COUNTY, OK - On October 6, 2024, the Woodward County Sheriff's Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate a shooting incident.

That afternoon, deputies responded to a shooting call near State Highway 270 and County Road 220 in rural Woodward County. Deputies identified the victim as an adult male, who had suffered from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was treated at a local hospital and later released.

During the investigation, OSBI special agents identified the suspect as 40-year-old April Diane Carman. Based on the information and evidence obtained, an arrest warrant was issued for Carman by the Woodward County District Court on February 6, 2025.

On February 7, Carman was located and arrested on two counts of Shooting with Intent to Kill and one count of Assault and Battery by Means of Force Likely to Produce Death. She was booked into the Woodward County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

The OSBI would like to thank the Woodward County Sheriff's Office for their assistance with this investigation.

We are "Protecting Oklahoma one Partnership at a time."

02/12/2025

39 Years Ago

Albert “Creel” Gaston – Sheriff
Woodward County Sheriff’s Office February 12, 1986

Shortly after 2:30 p.m. on January 6, 1982, Sheriff Albert “Creel” Gaston was investigating a report of someone stealing gasoline from parked cars in rural Woodward County. Near the intersection of Highways 270 and 34, Sheriff Gaston saw a car parked at the side of the road that fit the description of the suspect vehicle in the thefts. As Sheriff Gaston approached the car, the driver, David M. Behrens, 23, shot him once in the chest with a .38 caliber pistol. The bullet penetrated one lung and lodged against Sheriff Gaston’s spine, paralyzing him from the waist down. After many months in the hospital Sheriff Albert Gaston recovered enough to complete the last two years of his term confined to a wheelchair.

David Behrens was convicted of shooting of Sheriff Gaston and sentenced to one hundred and forty-four years in prison.

Sheriff Albert Gaston suffered long term complications from his wound and died Wednesday, February 12, 1986, from pneumonia following surgery earlier in January for an infection.

Sheriff Albert “Creel” Gaston was seventy years old at the time of his death and was survived by his wife, Maxine.

Albert Gaston is buried in North Persimmon Cemetery, Sharon, Woodward County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 2N-2-13 NLEOM – 44W17

02/09/2025

This subject is possibly in the Woodward area. If you see him please contact the Woodward Communications Center at 580 254-8518. They can dispatch the correct law enforcement agency.

08/18/2024

This seems to say it all. Please devote your full attention while driving. Sheriff Kevin Mitchell

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. The below one is a screenshot from Trooper Jesse Gregory’s dash camera when he was struck earlier this year.

Trooper Jesse Gregory #362 was struck by a driver on I-40 near Cimarron Road on January 18, 2024. He was speaking to the driver of a vehicle he had pulled over when another driver ran off the road and struck that vehicle. Trooper Gregory was thrown onto the side of the road. Miraculously, everyone involved was treated and released.

This entire week, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and other partner law enforcement agencies will be doing a special emphasis on the “Bernardo-Mills Law,” more commonly known as the “slow down, move over law.”

We’re calling it “Make Our Shoulders Safe Again.” It is a law to move over, or slow down if you can’t move over, for any vehicle displaying flashing lights on the side of the road. The fine for breaking this law is $1000.

The main goal of the emphasis is to educate the public and make them aware of the deadly consequences of not obeying the law.

06/12/2024

https://www.facebook.com/ODOA1983?mibextid=LQQJ4d

05/16/2024

The Woodward County Sheriff’s Office is currently hiring for the position of Detention Officer. Must be at least 18 years of age and be able to pass a background check and drug screening. The current rate of pay is $17.03/hr. This position also receives full county benefit package and a 20 year retirement program (as long as you have never been on OPERS previously). If you are interested, you can pick up an application at the Woodward County Sheriff’s Office located at 1600 Main Steet in Woodward or you can call 580-256-3264 and request a digital application via email. Sheriff Kevin Mitchell

04/05/2024

The filing period for county office in Oklahoma closed today at 5pm. I am so happy to say that I did not draw an opponent. I am proud to have served as the Woodward County Sheriff since May 2, 2015 and I am looking forward to another term serving the citizens of Woodward County. Sheriff Kevin Mitchell

03/24/2024