May 2026 Newsletter

Welcome to the Tulsa Police Department's monthly newsletter. We had a full calendar in the month of May! Let's take a look back at the highlights as we look forward to June:

Officer of the Year

Earlier this month, we celebrated Det. Aubrey Williams, the Rotary Club of Tulsa’s Police Officer of the Year!

Det. Williams took home the honors on our end, while Tulsa Fire Department Firefighter Frankie Young was awarded the 2026 Firefighter of the Year.

Mounted Patrol Unit returns

This month, we officially re-launched our Mounted Patrol Unit, and the Officers and their horses made their public debut at Guthrie Green.

Officers Tollefson, West, and Howse were there with their trusty steeds, Rosie, Wrecker, and Horsey, to meet the public and give everyone a chance to come over and say hello during Food Truck Wednesday.

29th annual Tulsa Police Memorial Service

Earlier this month, Officers, city leaders, families, and friends gathered for the 29th annual Tulsa Police Memorial service and candlelight vigil.

The service and vigil are held every year in honor of the 41 Tulsa Police Officers who died in the line of duty.

Cop Land Classic

Earlier this month, we took part in the 2026 Cop Land Classic Bike Ride, beginning and ending at the Tulsa Police Training Division.

Hosted by the Tulsa Police Officers' Memorial, the Cop Land Classic Bike Ride is the Memorial's largest fundraiser and happens each year on the third Saturday of May.

Law Enforcement Torch Run

This month, we were honored to take part in the final leg of the 2026 Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) as part of the kickoff to the Special Olympics Oklahoma Summer Games!

Our Officers and Academy class joined representatives from local law enforcement for a 5.5-mile run before handing the torch off to the Sand Springs Police Department to continue its journey to Stillwater for the Opening Ceremony.

Promotions & Years of Service celebration

We recently celebrated with several members of the Tulsa Police Department who were promoted, and recognized those commemorating their years of service to the department.

We’re thankful for these dedicated individuals who continue to help us best serve our city every day.

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Gilcrease Division

In May, Gilcrease Division Officers stayed busy with safety meetings, resource fairs, and celebrations for first responders. One of the most notable events this month was the FC Tulsa “Hometown Heroes” match. Not only did we have a strong showing with the Special Operations Team, Recruiting, and Motorcycle Unit – we also got to work behind-the-scenes in the press room to coordinate a flyover with Air Support to kick off the match.

Hearing the crowd's cheers as Police 1 flew over ONEOK Field was a special experience. We’re grateful to FC Tulsa, not only for inviting Tulsa Police, but also for taking the time to recognize first responders, veterans, and healthcare workers for their tireless efforts to serve their community and their country.

The calendar is filling up for June, and we’re expecting a busy summer. We appreciate all of you who take the time to come out and engage with the community and help us build stronger relationships with the public.

Mingo Valley Division

As summer break approaches, Officers attended several HOA meetings to discuss seasonal safety reminders and ways neighbors can help keep their communities safe while kids are home from school. One of the biggest reminders this time of year: remove valuables from your vehicles and always lock your cars.

We also had the chance to visit Jefferson Elementary, where Officers showed off patrol vehicles and shared summer safety tips with kindergarten students. Seeing the excitement and smiles from the students always makes for a memorable visit.

Another highlight this month was attending the Tulsa Global District’s second annual Asian American Night Market. The evening featured traditional performances, food, shopping, kids' activities, and more, bringing together a large, diverse crowd for a wonderful community event. To wrap up Police Appreciation Week, we partnered with Target to host a Coffee with a Cop event, giving residents another opportunity to meet and engage with officers in a relaxed setting. We’ll finish out May with another Coloring with a Cop event at McDonald’s and are already looking ahead to a busy summer.

We are excited for a hopefully drier June filled with community events such as the Family Summer Spectacular at Garnett Road Baptist Church, as well as several summer camps where officers will continue building positive relationships with students throughout the community.

Thank you to everyone who came out, participated, and continues supporting the Mingo Valley Division. We look forward to seeing you throughout the summer!

Riverside Division

Officers at the Riverside Division shared in some of the community fun this month, including attending the Whiteside Park Spring Carnival!

There was a good turnout despite the weather, with dozens of people gathering for lawn games, food trucks, and the opportunity to visit with a variety of our community partners.

We were there to say hello, give out some stickers, and visit with the kids.

Big thanks to Tulsa Parks for inviting us! We're looking forward to a busy month of June!

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Child abuse suspect arrested after standoff

On May 18, 2026, around 3:11 p.m., Tulsa Police Officers responded to reports of a suicidal subject.

The caller, Levi Simpson, told 911 dispatchers that he had "done something terrible" to his girlfriend's 6-year-old child and threatened self-harm if Officers arrived.

While Officers worked to resolve the standoff at the apartment, other Officers met with the victim and his mother at the hospital. Medical staff and a SANE Nurse confirmed that the 6-year-old child suffered severe injuries, including physical signs consistent with strangulation.

After some lengthy negotiations, Simpson was safely taken into custody. Based on physical evidence, victim injuries, and the suspect's own admissions, Levi Simpson was booked into the Tulsa County Jail for Child Abuse.

Detectives also served a search warrant at the residence, uncovering physical evidence that corroborated the child's injuries and the timeline of the assault.

Thanks to the Officers, negotiators, and medical partners for their swift work to secure justice for this young victim.

This is an arrest, not a conviction.

Photos of the Month 📸