armed suspect leads police chase into a USAF (air force) base

klahoma City, Oklahoma — On August 22, 2022, at approximately 1:18 p.m., Oklahoma City Police responded to the address of 2221 SW 78th St. on reports of multiple gunshots in the area. It was learned quickly that deputies with the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office had exchanged gunfire with a person at this residence while serving an eviction notice. Two of the deputies were struck by the gunfire.

As responding officers arrived on scene, they learned the suspect, 35-year-old Benjamin Plank had fled the residence in a vehicle trailering a boat. It was also learned the suspect had loaded several firearms into his vehicle prior to leaving. Benjamin Plank was spotted a short distance from the scene, shortly after the shooting occurred. Oklahoma City Police attempted to stop him on traffic when he refused, initiating a pursuit.

During the pursuit, while travelling northbound on S. I-35, the driver discharged rounds from a rifle at Oklahoma City Officers. Two involved officers were able to return fire toward the suspect. No injuries occurred from the gunfire. The suspect continued eastbound on Interstate-40 from Interstate-35 ultimately exiting at Air Depot Blvd. The suspect stopped at the Tinker Air Force Base gate and surrendered. Benjamin Plank was taken to an area hospital to be checked for injuries and booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on a multitude of charges including first-degree murder.

Both officers have been placed on routine paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation. Benjamin Plank is accused of fatally shooting Sgt. Bobby Swartz and wounding Deputy Mark Johns. Johns has since been released from the hospital. Court documents show that Plank also shot at but missed a third deputy.