OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma City community is mourning the loss of 72-year-old Sandra Strampher-Perry, who died following a police-involved shooting on Interstate 44 in southwest Oklahoma City. The tragic incident unfolded Friday evening, just days before she would have celebrated her 73rd birthday.
According to authorities, the situation began around 8:30 p.m. when Oklahoma County deputies responded to reports of a woman armed with a firearm at a home on North Council Road near Northwest 164th Street in the Deer Creek area. Deputies reportedly instructed Strampher-Perry to drop the weapon, but she instead left the scene in a pickup truck, leading officers on a pursuit.
During the chase, a deputy attempted to stop her using a tactical vehicle intervention maneuver near Northwest 150th Street and Portland Avenue. However, officials say Strampher-Perry rammed the deputy’s vehicle and continued fleeing. The pursuit then moved south onto Lake Hefner Parkway, with additional support from the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
The situation escalated further when troopers conducted another maneuver on Interstate 44 near Southwest 59th Street. Authorities say Strampher-Perry collided with another vehicle during this time, injuring an innocent bystander. Moments later, she allegedly pointed a firearm at officers, prompting law enforcement to open fire.
Officials confirmed that a total of five troopers, four Oklahoma City police officers, and two Oklahoma County deputies discharged their weapons during the incident. No officers were injured, but Strampher-Perry was pronounced dead at the scene. The bystander involved in the crash sustained injuries, though their current condition has not been disclosed.
As the investigation continues, those who knew Strampher-Perry are remembering her life beyond the tragic circumstances. The incident has left the community shaken, serving as a sobering reminder of how quickly situations can escalate. Authorities say the case remains under review as they work to fully understand the events that led to the deadly outcome.
