TULSA, OK — A terrifying domestic violence incident unfolded early Saturday morning when officers responded to reports of a shooting at the RiverWest apartment complex. The suspect, Raymond Howze, has been arrested after allegedly forcing his way into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment, assaulting her sister, and firing a gun during a heated confrontation.
According to the Tulsa Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 12:25 a.m. Upon arrival, they found the female victim suffering from three grazing gunshot wounds. Fortunately, her injuries were non-life-threatening.
Forced Entry and Violent Encounter
The victim and her sister recounted the harrowing events to police. They stated that Raymond Howze, the victim’s former boyfriend, forced his way into their apartment. When the victim’s sister tried to intervene, Howze pushed her to the ground and entered the bedroom searching for his ex-girlfriend.
After a brief struggle inside, the victim managed to escort Howze outside. However, once outside, the situation escalated further. Howze brandished a firearm, pointed it at both women, and issued threats. During the confrontation, he fired a shot in the victim’s direction before fleeing the scene in an orange Chevy Tahoe with a black top, heading northbound on the highway.
Rapid Response and Arrest
Officers quickly coordinated their efforts, sharing suspect details across departments. Using their information systems, they located a previous address associated with Raymond Howze and relayed it to K-9 units and patrol officers in the area.
By 12:44 a.m., less than 20 minutes after the initial report, an officer spotted the suspect’s vehicle near East Apache Street and North Lewis Avenue. A traffic stop was conducted, and Raymond Howze was taken into custody without incident.
During questioning, Howze claimed he only intended to shoot into the ground, not directly at anyone. Nevertheless, police say the shot was fired in a threatening manner during an already volatile domestic situation.
The firearm was confiscated, and Howze’s vehicle was towed for further examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Federal Jurisdiction Under McGirt Ruling
Because Raymond Howze is a tribal member, the case falls under the McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling, which grants jurisdiction to federal authorities in criminal cases involving Native Americans on tribal land. As such, Tulsa Police detectives will turn the case over to the FBI and federal prosecutors for further investigation and potential prosecution.
Community Recognition and Support
The Tulsa Police Department commended the bravery of the victim and her sister for providing accurate and timely information, and praised the swift action taken by responding officers.
“This case is an example of how teamwork, communication, and quick thinking can lead to the safe resolution of a very dangerous situation,” the department said in a public statement.
Authorities continue to emphasize that this is an arrest, not a conviction, and the investigation remains active.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential support is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233