Police Chief Tracy Roles said Tuesday that the professionalism, training and work ethic of Bartlesville Police Department officers and the department’s partnerships with area agencies are to thank for the seamless handling of an incident at a local tavern Monday that left two men dead.
Local police responded to reports of a shooting at the Kickstand Saloon, located at 1812 S.W. Frank Phillips Blvd., around 8:30 p.m. on Monday.
Arriving on a scene Roles called “tense and chaotic,” officers quickly discovered two men had been shot and that the suspect, later identified as Gregory Rogers, of Tulsa, had fled on foot.
“Inside, officers discovered two male individuals who had both suffered gunshot wounds,” Roles said. “(Both) were transported to (Ascension St. John Jane Phillips Hospital) and died of their injuries.”
Rogers, a Tulsa resident, reportedly sought medical treatment at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa for a gunshot wound to his forearm following the shooting, but left prior to receiving treatment, Roles said. Rogers later turned himself in to Tulsa police. BPD worked with the hospital, EMSA, and Tulsa Police Department in obtaining information and executing a search warrant to secure evidence in the case.
“We’re very fortunate to have these types of partnerships,” Roles said.
Killed in the incident were Austin Standeford and Van Parson, both employees of the Kickstand Saloon.
“We feel this was an isolated incident and that at no time, other than people in the bar, were citizens or visitors in Bartlesville in danger,” Roles said.
Roles commended BPD staff for their quick response and professional handling of the case.
“I would like to commend our staff,” he said. “Within a minute, we had an officer on the scene. I’ve been reviewing body-worn camera footage this morning, and it was a very intense scene with a lot going on. It was evolving very, very quickly.
“I want you all to know that your police officers responded in the most professional, ethical (way) — and with ultra respect — to a very difficult scene. It speaks to their professionalism and their dedication to our great city. Our detectives responded in the most professional manner and have been working diligently to bring closure to this case since 8:30 (on Monday).”
Rogers is charged with two counts of first degree murder and one count of felony possession of a firearm.