Deputy Recovers Stolen Vehicle During Traffic Stop

Charley Joe Cotner

On Friday, at approximately 11 a.m., Sequoyah County Deputy Michelle Cordray made a traffic stop that led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle.

Cordray originally made the stop for speeding and erratic driving between Vian and Sallisaw. The driver of the vehicle was Charley Joe Cotner, 20, of Sallisaw.

Upon making contact with Cotner, Cordray stated that she immediately knew that this would not be a routine traffic stop. According to Cordray the driver was acting overly nervous and seemed to be impaired or under the influence of something. Cordray ordered Cotner to exit the vehicle and detained him while she investigated further.

Deputy Cordray discovered that the vehicle had just been stolen from a parking lot in Sallisaw and that the owners did not know yet that it was missing. The registered owners, Dennis and Tramera Fletcher of Vian, were notified and they immediately came to the location of the traffic stop to retrieve their vehicle. 

The Fletchers stated that they had not given anyone permission to take their vehicle and they wanted to press charges. Dennis Fletcher is the mayor of Vian.

Deputy Cordray transported the suspect to the Sequoyah County Jail where he is being held on charges of possession of stolen vehicle, grand larceny and DUI-drugs. His bond is pending.

Sequoyah County Sheriff Larry Lane stated,  “Deputy Cordray did a great job today. This is another example of successful proactive policing. Our deputies make a lot of traffic stops throughout the county and commonly arrest wanted persons, recover stolen property and drugs”. 

KXMX News Staff

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