Noel Almandarez, 19, died following an officer-involved shooting in Woodward, Oklahoma, Sunday after authorities said he was involved in an earlier incident where a person was struck by a vehicle.
According to officials, the incident began around 6 a.m. when the Laverne Police Department responded to a report of a person hit by a vehicle near 500 North Missouri Street. Officers arrived and found an injured person, who was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities said the suspect, identified as 19-year-old Noel Almandarez, allegedly struck the victim with a vehicle before leaving the scene.
Later that morning, a Harper County deputy located Almandarez’s vehicle near Highway 412 and Highway 283. Officials said a traffic stop was attempted, but Almandarez did not stop and drove away, leading to a pursuit toward Woodward.
The Woodward Sheriff’s Office and Woodward Police Department assisted during the pursuit. The situation eventually ended with officers shooting Almandarez, who was pronounced dead.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has taken over the case and is conducting an investigation into the officer-involved shooting and the events leading up to it.
Authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident, and additional details are expected as the investigation progresses. All information released remains preliminary.
