logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Public Notices
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Public Notices
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
news
November 1, 2023
Woman arrested after attacking officers, others
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR,

Vamella Marie Banks, 38, of Checotah, is facing charges of assaulting a police officer and a medical care provider as well as malicious injury to property under $1,000 in value and resisting an officer.

Associate District Judge Brendon Bridges on Friday, Oct. 27, entered a not guilty plea on behalf of the defendant and set bond at $25,000. Her pre-preliminary hearing conference will be held on Nov. 29 at 9 a.m.

Banks was arrested on July 27 after exhibiting bizarre behavior at a stranger’s residence in a rural area east of Eufaula.

Arresting officer Deputy Quinton Short said when he arrived at the scene he ended up in a battle with a suspect whose arms were covered in blood.

After her arrest, the suspect was taken to McAlester Regional Hospital and, because of the seriousness of the injuries to her arms, she was transported to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Short stated in his arrest report.

She spent several days in the hospital before being released into police custody and taken to the McIntosh County jail.

Short said he went to the rural McIntosh County residence after receiving a report that a woman was trying to break into a man’s home. “The caller advised that he did not know the woman,” said the probable cause affidavit.

When Short arrived at the scene he said he was met by a male in a wheelchair, identified as Mark Caldwell, owner of the residence.

Caldwell said a strange woman, later identified as Banks, was in a bedroom of the residence breaking things and a home health aid was locked in a bathroom.

With some difficulty, Short was able to get the suspect out of the bedroom, he said. “Once in the hallway, (Banks) began fighting with me and attempted to bite my left arm. (She) hit me with the back of her hand. I pushed (her) against the wall and was able to partially control one arm. Due to the fact Vamella’s arms were covered in blood, they were slick and hard to control her body movements,” Short said.

A second deputy, Jeff January, arrived and assisted in handcuffing the suspect.

“Once Vamella was placed into hand restraints, she began trying to kick me in the legs,” Short said.

An ambulance arrived and the EMS aid determined that the suspect was possibly under the influence of drugs and “could be overdosing,” according to the probable cause report.

The EMS administered Narcan to the suspect, which calmed her down, Short said.

But, while in the ambulance, the suspect allegedly bit one of the medics.

Reindeer lands in Kiwanis Park
news
Reindeer lands in Kiwanis Park
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
December 24, 2025
Families gathered at Kiwanis Park on Thursday, Dec. 18, to celebrate the holiday season with festive cheer and a cup of Christmas cheer. The Eufaula Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Hot Chocolate...
The newest dog at the Eufaula pound is a real sweetheart and all he wants for Christmas is a fur-ever home with YOU
news
The newest dog at the Eufaula pound is a real sweetheart and all he wants for Christmas is a fur-ever home with YOU
December 24, 2025
The newest dog at the Eufaula pound is a real sweetheart and all he wants for Christmas is a fur-ever home with YOU. Paws N Claws is also looking for sponsors for his $85 adoption fee and spay/neuter ...
God’s Helping Hands provides Christmas meals for hundreds
news
God’s Helping Hands provides Christmas meals for hundreds
December 24, 2025
For 25 years, God’s Helping Hands has been feeding hundreds of needy families during the Christmas season. “God’s Helping hands began 26 years ago,” said Director Richard Mc-Cool. “But we didn’t do it...
Eufaula decks the hall for inaugural holiday home tour
news
Eufaula decks the hall for inaugural holiday home tour
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
December 24, 2025
The Lake Eufaula Association (LEA) celebrated a successful launch of its first-ever Christmas Home Tour on Thursday, Dec. 11, drawing close to a reported 100 participants for a festive afternoon explo...
Christmases past and present
commentary
Christmases past and present
December 24, 2025
Christmas always brings a flood of emotions every year as I try to navigate all the changes of my Christmases past to my Christmas present. For so many years I had my whole family beside me each Chris...
May your season be bright and joyous
commentary
May your season be bright and joyous
By JOE DORMAN OICA CEO 
December 24, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – I hope each of you is looking forward to the upcoming Christmas break and will have time to spend with loved ones. As a Christian, Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and is a ver...
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Legislative Year One wrapping up
commentary
Legislative Year One wrapping up
By REP. TIM TURNER 
December 24, 2025
It’s the end of my first year in office representing District 15. It’s been very interesting to say the least. I wouldn’t trade this time for anything. In addition to helping with numerous constituent...
Dan Kirby conviction of involuntary manslaughter charge overturned
news
Dan Kirby conviction of involuntary manslaughter charge overturned
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
December 24, 2025
In March 2023, former Eufaula City Councilman Dan Kirby was indicted in federal court for involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country in connection with a motorcycle accident on July 23, 2022 that clai...
news
Navigating power and technology breakdowns
By GLEN MULREADY OKLAHOMA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER 
December 24, 2025
In December 2007, Oklahoma experienced one of the most devastating ice storms in its history. The storm caused at least $200 million in damage statewide, and at the peak of the event, more than 641,00...
commentary
Bah Humbug to shame: Change the labels that haunt Christmas
December 24, 2025
Christmas week has arrived, and for many, it’s not always merry. While the season shines with joy and light, it can also stir painful memories— old regrets, lingering shame, and labels we wish we coul...
commentary
God’s divine interruption
By REV. THERESE STARR 
December 24, 2025
I have a little refrigerator magnet that says, “We plan; God laughs.” It’s a constant (and much needed) reminder that my own plans for my day, my week or even my life are not the final word as far as ...
Facebook

THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL
100 N. 2nd Street
Eufaula, OK 74432

(918) 689-2191

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy