By John Dobberstein, Editor
U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson has cleared a Broken Arrow police officer for his use of lethal force during a non-fatal incident earlier this month.
Broken Arrow officer Dakota Berry, who’s been with the department since 2023, made what the department said was a “routine traffic stop” on a vehicle in the 2600 block of N. Aspen Ave., in the parking lot of the Clarion Hotel.
Police said the driver, 51-year-old Sunny Demille, pulled a handgun from his pocket while out of his vehicle and his body turned away from the officer, and he started to run.
Police said a brief scuffle ensued before Demille got out of the officer’s grasp and brandished the gun. Berry fired four shots, striking Demille four times. The department said Berry called for backup, including an ambulance, secured the scene and the handgun the suspect dropped and began rendering aid to Demille.
The suspect was taken to the hospital, where he currently remains recovering from his injuries.
The FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Oklahoma independently investigated the evidence and closed their investigation as they determined Berry was justified in using lethal force.
The case against Demille will be sent to Tulsa County District Attorney Steven Kunzweiler’s office for review.
The body-worn camera footage of the incident is available for viewing by clicking here.
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