In the summer of 1988, a dedicated police officer's life was tragically cut short in the line of duty. Brian Jeffery Tunnell, a 27-year-old male Patrolman with the Miami Police Department, succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound on June 5, 1988. He had served on the force for seven years, committed to protecting the community he swore to serve.
The fatal encounter unfolded at the Elms Motel in Miami, Oklahoma, where Patrolman Tunnell was assisting another officer in serving a felony warrant.
A struggle ensued between the two officers and the subject of the warrant. In the midst of the confrontation, the suspect managed to gain control of the other officer's weapon and fired at Tunnell at point-blank range.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the immediate scene. The second officer, having lost his own firearm, retrieved Patrolman Tunnell's service weapon and pursued the assailant. The chase was brief, as the suspect tripped and fell. As the suspect attempted to recover the dropped revolver, the officer was able to fatally wound him.
Patrolman Tunnell was rushed to Francis Hospital for medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries three hours later. The suspect in his shooting was killed at the scene by the other officer involved in the altercation.
