Oklahoma City police have charged a man following a shooting incident on February 16th that left one man dead and another hospitalized. Steven Saathoff, 50, faces felony charges of shooting with intent to kill and assault with a deadly weapon, according to police reports.
The incident began with a disturbance near Southeast 59th Street and Sooner Road, where officers responded to reports of a man with a gun. Authorities allege Saathoff fired at multiple people before being shot by an officer. He was subsequently hospitalized and has since recovered.
The investigation quickly expanded beyond the initial shooting, revealing a connected series of events. Police determined the disturbance stemmed from an argument at a nearby home, where Saathoff and his son, Colten Saathoff, allegedly discharged firearms at the residence. A victim inside the home reportedly hid in a bathroom as shots were fired through the door, narrowly avoiding injury.
Timeline of Events
The sequence of events unfolded rapidly on February 16th. According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers were dispatched to the area around 5:30 PM in response to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they encountered Saathoff brandishing a firearm and allegedly firing shots. An officer-involved shooting then occurred, resulting in Saathoff being wounded. News9 reports provided initial coverage of the officer-involved shooting.
Following Saathoff’s hospitalization, investigators focused on the initial argument at the nearby home. The search led to the discovery of Colten Saathoff deceased inside a residence, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.
Investigation and Charges
Authorities have not released details regarding the type of firearm used in the initial shooting or the relationship between Saathoff and the individuals he allegedly fired upon. The Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office filed formal charges against Steven Saathoff on February 18th, outlining the allegations of shooting with intent to kill and assault with a deadly weapon. News9 too covered the identification of Colten Saathoff and the ongoing investigation.
Police have stated the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Oklahoma City Police Department. Detectives are working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and determine the full extent of the involvement of both Steven and Colten Saathoff.
Community Impact and Response
This incident has understandably shaken the southeast Oklahoma City community. While details remain limited, the shooting and subsequent death have prompted concern among residents. Local leaders have called for calm and cooperation with law enforcement as the investigation progresses. The Oklahoma City Police Department has increased patrols in the area to reassure residents and maintain public safety.
The investigation continues to focus on establishing a clear timeline of events and determining the motives behind the shooting. Authorities are meticulously collecting evidence and conducting interviews to build a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.
As the investigation progresses, the focus will likely shift to understanding the circumstances that led to this tragic outcome. The Oklahoma City Police Department is committed to a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure justice is served. We encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing efforts.
Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below. If you have information relevant to the investigation, please contact the Oklahoma City Police Department directly.