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.

Winter storm blankets McIntosh County with snow, ice and deep freeze
A: Main
Winter storm blankets McIntosh County with snow, ice and deep freeze
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
January 28, 2026
A winter storm sweeping across much of the United States over the weekend brought snow, sleet and bitter cold to McIntosh County, covering the community in a rare winter blanket and keeping crews busy...
A: Main
Search underway for Eufaula superintendent
January 28, 2026
The search is underway for the next Eufaula Public Schools superintendent. Eufaula school board members opened the search, in partnership with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, after Eufau...
A: Main
Fugitive arrested in Eufaula
January 28, 2026
The Eufaula Police Department served a warrant at a residence in the Lakehurst Addition within the City of Eufaula on Jan. 22. The warrant was served as part of an ongoing investigation. The suspect, ...
Property rights advocate gives solar-farm warning
A: Main
Property rights advocate gives solar-farm warning
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
January 28, 2026
McIntosh County Republicans met Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Eufaula VFW for a meeting featuring a presentation on large-scale solar development and an update on longterm city planning from Eufaula Mayor...
Eufaula Chamber opens 2026 with renewed focus for the new year
A: Main
Eufaula Chamber opens 2026 with renewed focus for the new year
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
January 28, 2026
The Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce held its first meeting of the new year Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the chamber office, marking the first official meeting led by new Executive Director Tim Turner. Turner...
Listening to the lake: Understanding the rise and fall of Lake Eufaula
news
Listening to the lake: Understanding the rise and fall of Lake Eufaula
By MICHAEL BARNES 
January 28, 2026
If you’ve stood at the end of a dock at sunrise, or paused beside a quiet boat ramp where the water once lapped higher against the concrete, you’ve likely felt it—that small, unsettled question that c...
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Oklahoma Senator introduces bill to protect Oklahoma land
news
Oklahoma Senator introduces bill to protect Oklahoma land
January 28, 2026
Senator Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, has filed a slate of legislation for the 2026 legislative session to strengthen protections for Oklahomans, underscoring his commitment to defending Oklahoma valu...
Waiting out the storm together in Eufaula
news
Waiting out the storm together in Eufaula
By MICHAEL BARNES 
January 28, 2026
In the days before the storm, I realized that winter doesn’t just test your supplies — it tests how much you’re willing to think beyond yourself. Around that same time, my neighbors and I started talk...
news
Green Country CattleWomen announce new board
January 28, 2026
Green Country CattleWomen announced their new board as they wrapped up two years with their former board that they express their gratitude of exceptional leadership and support. The former board inclu...
news
Warrant issued for man who failed to appear in court
January 28, 2026
A bench warrant has been issued for a 27-year-old McIntosh County man who failed to appear in court for a hearing held on Dec. 18, 2025. Arnold Willard Carey Jr. forfeited his $50,000 bond. He is char...
Hannah Kennedy awarded local scholarship
news
Hannah Kennedy awarded local scholarship
January 28, 2026
The Eufaula Area Arts Council awards an annual college scholarship to a graduating student from an accredited high school or home school in the Eufaula, Oklahoma area who demonstrates meaningful invol...
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