Skip to main content

Shooting Shuts Down Oklahoma City Airport for Hours

Shooting Shuts Down Oklahoma City Airport for Hours

  • Nov 16, 2016

An hours long search for the suspect who shot and killed a Southwest Airlines employee at Will Rogers World airport in Oklahoma City, Okla. ended when police found him dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in his vehicle on the second floor of a parking structure.

Due to the nature of the injury, police have not been able to positively identify the suspect or give any information on the motive of the shooting.

Oklahoma City Police Capt. Paco Balderrama said they have an idea of who the suspect could be and believe he was waiting for the victim, 52 year-old Michael Winchester, to arrive or leave work. He was shot on the sidewalk near one of the airport parking lots.

OKC police closed down the airport around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday as a precaution while they swept the area for any other dangers. At first, they had travelers inside the airport “shelter in place” as they looked for the suspect. After a few hours with no new information, police decided to evacuate the airport and remove those who had been sitting on planes waiting to depart. They were transported to a nearby cell phone lot.

By 7 p.m., the airport tweeted that they would begin to resuming normal operations.

Southwest Airlines put out a statement on the death of Winchester.

“The Southwest Family is deeply saddened by the passing of our Southwest Family Member, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies and support to his family and Southwest co-workers at this time,” the statement read.

Featured

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.