At press time Tuesday, a shooter was in a standoff with lawmen from numerous law enforcement agencies in eastern McIntosh County.

The unidentified suspect was barricaded in a residence on New Texanna Road two miles south of Interstate 40.

The interstate was closed in that area during the confrontation.

McIntosh County Chief Deputy Sheriff Jared West said the events unfolded the night before, on April 7, when deputies with the sheriff’s office assisted the Checotah Police Department in attempting to arrest a suspect involved in an altercation in the city.

“When approached at his residence, he refused to comply and instead brandished a rifle and told them they would have to kill him first,” West stated.

The suspect fled the area on a UTV carrying a rifle.

Several agencies joined in a manhunt, including the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office, District 25 Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force, Checotah Police Department, Eufaula Police, Cherokee Marshal Services, Muscogee Creek Nation Police, and the OHP tactical team.

“The subject ran back to a residence and barricaded himself in. After attempting to negotiate with him, tear gas was deployed with negative results,” West said. “A robot, as well as drones, was used to find him in the home.

“He fired at the equipment, and ultimately, the house caught fire.”

West said the suspect then fired several rounds at the tactical team, who returned fired.

The local fire department was called and extinguished the flames.

“This is still a very active investigation with several departments participating. We ask everyone, please be patient while we continue to investigate,” West said.

The shooter is deceased. Authorities identified him as John Barry.