Table of Contents
A month-long investigation into police misconduct in Oilton, Oklahoma reached its climax Tuesday night when the city council unanimously voted to terminate Police Chief Carl Stout for cause. The decision came after journalists confronted Stout outside City Hall, leading to a tense exchange captured on live video.
The Investigation That Started With a Beaten Veteran
The story began when Officer Joe Beers assaulted Vietnam veteran Willard Wallbridge on his own property. Body camera footage showed the unprovoked attack that left the elderly veteran injured and the community outraged. When Chief Stout defended the officer's actions as within standard operating procedures, journalists began investigating Stout's own background.
What they found was a 25-year pattern of alleged domestic violence spanning multiple states. Court records revealed protective orders filed against Stout by several ex-wives, alleging stalking and abuse. One particularly disturbing allegation involved the inappropriate treatment of a 16-year-old while Stout was on duty.
The Heated Confrontation Outside City Hall
Tuesday evening's confrontation began when Stout attempted to avoid journalists gathered outside the council meeting. As Stout walked toward his vehicle, reporters pressed him about the domestic violence allegations and his history of hiring officers with questionable backgrounds.
"Why do you beat women, Carl?" shouted one journalist as Stout tried to escape. The former chief refused to answer, claiming he couldn't speak without his attorney present. When pressed about his ability to afford legal representation, Stout became visibly agitated.
The exchange grew more heated when journalists referenced specific allegations from court documents, including claims about inappropriate conduct with animals that appeared in protective order applications filed by family members.
The Council Meeting That Changed Everything
Inside City Hall, tension filled the air as council members prepared for an executive session to discuss Stout's employment. The agenda item alone spoke volumes about the chief's precarious position. Community members packed the small meeting room, many expressing frustration with both Stout and Mayor Patrick Kennedy's leadership.
During public comments, several residents raised concerns about the city's response to open records requests and transparency issues. Financial irregularities came to light, including questionable purchase orders and unusual expenses like a $6,500 transmission repair that raised eyebrows among council members.
The Vote That Ended a Career
After emerging from executive session, the council wasted no time. Council Member Brian made a motion to terminate Chief Stout "with just cause," requiring him to return all city property and passwords before receiving his final paycheck. The vote was swift and unanimous.
The termination for cause designation means the firing will be reported to CLEET (Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training), potentially affecting Stout's ability to work as a law enforcement officer anywhere in Oklahoma.
What Comes Next Remains Unclear
As residents filed out of the meeting, many expressed relief that Stout's tenure had finally ended. However, sources suggest the investigation into city leadership is far from over. Mayor Kennedy, who hired Stout despite his troubling background, faces his own scrutiny over financial irregularities and potential open records violations.
The new interim chief will inherit a department in turmoil, with Officer Beers having already resigned and serious questions remaining about the culture Stout fostered during his time in charge.
Watch the full confrontation and council meeting to see exactly how this dramatic evening unfolded and what it means for accountability in small-town law enforcement.
