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.

Christmas classics shine in Eufaula’s lighted parade
A: Main, news
Christmas classics shine in Eufaula’s lighted parade
By SHAUNA BELYEU 
December 10, 2025
GENERAL MANAGER Main Street sparkled with holiday magic Saturday night as Eufaula kicked off the season with its annual Lighted Christmas Parade, drawing families downtown for an evening of twinkling ...
Eufaula launches search for City Planner to guide growth
A: Main, news
Eufaula launches search for City Planner to guide growth
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
December 10, 2025
The City of Eufaula is taking a major step toward shaping its long-term future by launching the recruitment for its first-ever City Planner, a move that city leaders believe is vital to supporting res...
Shop with a Cop Dec. 10, 11, 12
A: Main, news
Shop with a Cop Dec. 10, 11, 12
December 10, 2025
The 12th Annual McIntosh County Law Enforcement Shop with a COP event will take place this week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Law enforcement officers, in partnership with school districts, will ...
A: Main, news
Checotah resident pleads guilty to distributing Methamphetamine
December 10, 2025
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Joshua Darrin Breshears, age 33, of Checotah, entered a guilty plea to one count of Distribution of Methamphetam...
A: Main, news
Search begins for school superintendent
December 10, 2025
The search is now underway for a school superintendent replace Monty Guthrie, who announced at the Nov. 10 School Board meeting that he was retiring effective June 30, 2026. At Monday’s meeting the Bo...
School election filing period ends
A: Main, news
School election filing period ends
December 10, 2025
Just as the filing period ended for school board elections, Eufaula incumbent Kenny Bumgarner announced his resignation. Bumgarner, 55, represented seat 2. The board will ap-The point someone to fill ...
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Holiday Magic Fills the Eufaula Armory at Annual Christmas Trade Show
news
Holiday Magic Fills the Eufaula Armory at Annual Christmas Trade Show
By MICHAEL BARNES 
December 10, 2025
The Eufaula Armory transformed into a joyful holiday playground on Saturday, Dec. 6, as families, vendors, and even one very friendly dog filled the space for the annual Heartland Bazaar. With aisles ...
news
EOSC receives $16 million donation
December 10, 2025
WILBURTON – Eastern Oklahoma State College has received an unprecedented $16 million unrestricted gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott through her foundation, Yield Giving. This donation marks the...
Asher announces for reelection
news
Asher announces for reelection
December 10, 2025
I am running for reelection to the Eufaula Public School Board district 1 seat. Having served for eight years on the Board, I am excited about the progress our District has made. I look forward to the...
news
Artesian Realty hosts toy giveaway
December 10, 2025
Artesian Realty, 106 Selmon Rd., Eufaula, will host a toy giveaway on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Little Turtle Banquet Hall on old 69 highway north of Eufaula. Santa will be on hand ...
news
Driver killed after hitting deer
December 10, 2025
An unidentified motorist was killed after striking a deer and then a second vehicle on SH 16 in Muskogee County Friday. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, after the car struck the deer the vehi...
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