19 Year Old Laverne Teen Dead After Officer Involved Shooting

The Woodward Police Department requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation on Sunday to investigate an officer-involved shooting that followed a multi-agency pursuit across northwestern Oklahoma.

Authorities said the incident began around 6 a.m. in Laverne and ended in Woodward after the suspect allegedly struck a pedestrian, fled law enforcement and later crashed into a semi-truck.

According to the OSBI, Laverne police responded at about 6 a.m. to the 500 block of North Missouri Street after receiving a report that a person had been run over by a car.

Officers said they found an adult man who was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

19-year-old Noel Almandarez struck the victim with a vehicle before leaving the scene according to investigators.

Later that morning, a Harper County deputy located Almandarez’s car near U.S. Highway 412 and State Highway 283 South of Laverne. Authorities said Almandarez drove away after the deputy attempted a traffic stop, leading officers on a chase.

The chase led officers into Woodward County where Woodward County Sheriff’s Office, Woodward Police Department and other agencies assisted.

According to investigators, Almandarez tried to hit an officer at the intersection of U.S. Highway 412 and Western Avenue in Woodward, prompting an officer-involved shooting.

After the shooting, Almandarez’s car crashed with an oncoming semi.

Officials pronounced Almandarez dead at the scene.

The semi-truck driver was treated for minor injuries and released police said. No other injuries were reported during the pursuit.

Once the OSBI completes its investigation, agents will submit their findings to the Woodward County District Attorney’s Office for review.

The investigation is ongoing.