By John Dobberstein, Editor
WAGONER — A former Broken Arrow police officer who tased and pepper sprayed a neighbor’s dog and threatened to shoot the animal has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge and was given a deferred sentence.
William Roy Golden was originally charged in 2023 with felony animal cruelty and misdemeanor “outraging public decency” for unholstering his gun and threatening to shoot the dog. The charges came after a criminal investigation by the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office.
Prosecutors alleged Golden struck the 50-pound English bulldog, belonging to Arianna Ruiz, on the head, tased him 8 times and pepper sprayed him. A neighbor videotaped part of the encounter and posted it on Facebook.
After numerous delays in Wagoner County District Court stretching more than 2 years, Golden pleaded no contest April 13 to a single charge of disturbing the peace, for which he received a 6-month deferred sentence and was ordered to pay $626 in costs.
Golden must also not to seek law enforcement employment again, according to the court’s sentencing order.
Golden’s attorney, Sean McKenna of Tulsa, said released a statement late Wednesday saying the case, proceeded in the shadow of an incomplete public narrative. Because of the pending criminal charges, Mr. Golden was not in a position to publicly present his full account of the events in question.
“As is often the case, a brief video clip circulated on social media captured only a limited portion of a much larger and more complex encounter.”
McKenna said the parties engaged in “thorough litigation,” including review of the available evidence, witness accounts and, “the totality of the circumstances surrounding the incident,” which allowed for a more complete and balanced evaluation than what was initially portrayed in the public sphere.
“After careful consideration of the risks, costs, and uncertainties inherent in any trial, Mr. Golden made the decision to resolve this matter through an agreement with the state,” McKenna said. “This resolution brings finality to a case that has remained pending for years and allows all involved to move forward.”
Several months after he was charged, Golden was allowed to resign from the BAPD after an internal investigation of “alleged on-duty misconduct” was completed. He quit on the eve of his predetermination hearing, which is required by state law as part of due process prior to administration of employee discipline.
Golden was bound over for trial 13 months ago after a district judge found probable cause he committed the alleged crimes. He waived his right to a speedy trial last September and appeared in court this month with a new attorney.
“Now that this matter has been resolved, Mr. Golden looks forward to putting this chapter behind him and focusing on his role as a husband and father. He is committed to moving forward with his family and being present for them in the way they deserve.”
“This outcome reflects a reasoned decision under difficult circumstances and should not be viewed as a reflection of the limited and often misleading snapshot that circulated early in the case.”
The Sentinel reached out to Wagoner County District Attorney Jack Thorp Tuesday for comment.
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