DEADLY OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING FOLLOWING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENT
A tragic and intense series of events unfolded in Tulsa early this morning after police say a domestic violence shooting led to an officer-involved shooting that left 51-year-old Mitchell Folsom dead near 36th Street North and Hartford.
According to Tulsa Police, officers responded after reports that Folsom allegedly shot at his girlfriend while the two were inside a vehicle. Authorities say the terrifying incident quickly escalated when Folsom fled the scene on foot, sparking a search by responding officers.
Police say officers later located Folsom in a pond in the area. During the encounter, investigators say Folsom presented a threat to officers, leading police to open fire. Folsom was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators also revealed that while fleeing from the original shooting scene, Folsom allegedly told officers and witnesses, “I can’t go back to prison,” a statement that painted a grim picture of the desperation surrounding the incident.
This latest deadly confrontation comes only about a month after Folsom’s reported release from prison. His name has been familiar to Tulsa law enforcement for years, with records showing a lengthy criminal history dating back to the 1990s. Court records indicate previous convictions involving drugs, burglary, possession of stolen property, attempting to elude police, and other offenses.
Folsom had also previously made headlines in 2020 after being charged in connection with a fatal stabbing case. During that investigation, authorities say he was involved in a tense standoff with police at a motel near 11th and Yale while officers were attempting to apprehend him. However, the murder charges against him were later dismissed in September of 2020.
Today’s events once again highlight the devastating impact domestic violence and repeated criminal behavior can have on families, victims, communities, and responding officers. What began as a reported dispute inside a vehicle escalated into a deadly chain of events that ended with gunfire, fear, and another life lost.
As the investigation continues, many are praying for the woman involved in the original shooting, the officers who responded to the dangerous situation, and everyone affected by this tragic incident. Officer-involved shootings carry emotional and psychological weight for all parties involved, and incidents like this leave lasting scars throughout the community.
The Tulsa Police Department says the investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may be released as authorities continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding both shootings.
🕊️ Thoughts and prayers for everyone impacted by this tragic situation, including the victim, first responders, and families involved.
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