Manhunt Continues for Oklahoma Man Who Killed Two and Wounded Four in Shooting Tirade
Blue Alert issued for Michael Dale Vance, whose victims include two police officers. Thankfully, both are expected to recover.
The hunt for an Oklahoma man on a multi-county shooting spree is nearing the 48-hour mark, according to a News 9 report at 12:40 p.m. Central Time Tuesday.
Michael Dale Vance, 38, allegedly shot a total of six people Sunday night and early Monday morning. Authorities say Vance killed two of his victims, both family members, and wounded two police officers and two civilians. He went live on Facebook in between shootings.
The police officers were treated for non-life threatening injuries. Two other victims, confirmed to be his family members, are dead. Of the two remaining two victims, one was taken to the hospital and one refused treatment.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol tweeted at around 7:00 a.m. Central Time on Monday that Vance was “armed and dangerous.” According to a Monday afternoon update, authorities believe Vance is likely in the Oklahoma City or Lincoln County area.
Police in Wellston, Oklahoma responded to a disturbance call at around 7:00 p.m. Sunday night, according to an affidavit filed in the Oklahoma County District Court Monday morning. Vance and another suspect, Tony Heavner, shot the officers during questioning. Officers returned fire, hitting Vance twice, but Vance stole their patrol pickup and drove to a mobile home park where he shot a woman and stole her car. Heavner was taken into custody.
At around 11:00 p.m., two homicide victims, Ronald and Valerie Wilkson, were discovered at Vance’s uncle’s house in Luther, Oklahoma and confirmed to be his relatives, News 9 reported. The affidavit revealed that both victims had multiple knife wounds, including what appeared to be dismemberment attempts. Vance is considered the suspect in their murder.
Another shooting was reported at a gas station around 2:30 a.m. Monday morning. Vance, believed to be the shooter, left in a gray/silver 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse with an Oklahoma tag.
After shooting the police officers Sunday evening, Vance posted two Facebook Live videos. In the first video, he says “this truck is about dead,” and “I’m about to steal another car, like right now.” At the end of the video, Vance says, “Watch this, people” as he pulls into what appears to be a mobile home park.
In the second video, he appears to be in a different vehicle and shows an AK-47 rifle beside him in the car he is driving, saying, “that’s the real deal. It ain’t a joke, this ain’t a prank,” and “if you want to know what’s up next, stay tuned to your local news.”
ABC News reported that Vance was recently released from Lincoln County Jail, where he was held on accusations of sexual assault of a child.
In his second video, he tells his sister “thank you for believing me” and that “it was all a set-up,” but it is unclear what he is referring to. He also says “she knew I would flip out, that’s why she was worried about me getting out of jail.” He also references another woman whom he claims tried to “help,” and notes that “we didn’t get the vest but it will be alright.”
At one point in the second video, Vance’s phone rings. “I love you sis,” Vance says. “I’m not answering the phone, it’s too late now.”
Police have also confirmed that Vance has AIDS and is threatening to spread the disease.
Luther public schools were placed under lock down Monday, a News 9 update reported.
Authorities have issued Blue Alerts on electronic billboards on highways throughout the state. Blue Alerts are a new state function signed into law by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin last month. Similar to an Amber Alert, Blue Alerts inform state residents when someone who has assaulted a law enforcement officer is on the loose. The Blue Alert was activated Monday hours after the search for Vance began.
— Okla. Highway Patrol (@OHPtraffic) October 24, 2016
