OSBI Served Search Warrant At Purcell Police Department

Wednesday, July 19th 2017, 8:21 pm

By: News 9

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation confirmed agents served a search warrant Wednesday at the Purcell Police Department.

News 9 confirmed the search comes at the request of McClain County Sheriff Don Hewett, who asked state investigators to look into possible discrepancies in the Purcell Police Department's evidence room.

Hewett could not immediately be reached for comment.

"The sheriff learned through one of his investigations that there was possibly some discrepancies,” Special Agent Steve Tanner explained he could not elaborate beyond that, "the only thing I can tell you at this time is that in order for us to receive a search warrant you have to have enough probable cause that a crime occurred."

The Purcell Police Department indicated it was not advised of the investigation until the warrant was served, Wednesday.

"We don’t know what the warrant is about,” said Purcell police Detective Sgt. Scott Stephens. He declined to comment further.

However, records show it's not the first time the OSBI has been called in to investigate Purcell Police.

In October 2013, Officer Richard Glasgow was investigated for shooting a dog while off-duty.

A witness captured video of Glasgow returning to the shooting scene in his unmarked Purcell P.D. Dodge Charger.

The video was turned over to authorities.

Court records indicate, at that time, Glasgow smelled of alcohol and had slurred speech.

He was charged with one count of reckless conduct with a firearm, according to court documents.

Glasgow pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. He was also placed on administrative leave.

More recently, July 1, he was arrested for violating a protective order.

However, investigators will not confirm if the recent search of the property room is tied to Glasgow's alleged misconduct.

OSBI assures it will act swiftly in completing the investigation.

UPDATE: McClain County Sheriff explains why OSBI issued a search warrant at the Purcell Police Department.

McClain County Sheriff Don Hewitt says during the course of a violation of protective order investigation, items were discovered in a home that were missing from the Purcell Police Department's evidence room. Hewitt could not elaborate on what those items are. He says OSBI was contacted to handle the investigation.