Webbers Falls Police Chief Charged with Felony Assault and Gun Charges

Matthew Crittenden

Webbers Falls Police Chief, Matthew Crittenden, 36, of Vian, was charged Thursday in Muskogee County District Court with felony assault and battery on a police officer, feloniously pointing a firearm and carrying a firearm while under the influence.

Crittenden was arrested on April 30 after an altercation with another officer occurred the previous night at the Webbers Falls Police Station at approximately 11 p.m. The incident was witnessed by other officers within the department who notified the OSBI.

According to the affidavit filed with the charges, Crittenden confronted Officer Justin Truett because he hadn't made as many traffic stops as Crittenden felt that he should. 

Crittenden was allegedly intoxicated during the incident. The affadavit states that Crittenden attempted to punch Truett in the groin and did punch him in the torso. 

Crittenden also allegedly pointed a gun at Truett's head which was witnessed by other officers.

One officer stated that Crittenden removed a bottle of Gray Goose vodka from an evidence storage cabinet and took several drinks of it during the altercation with Truett. Crittenden was wearing his service pistol on his hip at the time.

Crittenden asked Truett if he needed "to fire rounds over his head" to motivate him to produce more results, the affadivit states. Officers also stated within the affadivit that Crittenden made several threats of physical violence toward Truett during the altercation.

Investigators with the OSBI stated that they were provided a video of  Crittenden choking and punching Truett outside the police station. Truett did not provoke or respond to the attack on the video footage, according to the OSBI.

Officers also stated that Crittendon attempted to leave the scene after the altercation although he had been drinking and was stumbling. There were two children in the vehicle as Crittenden attempted to drive away. Officers physically removed Crittenden from the vehicle and informed him he would be arrested for DUI if he drove away, according to the affadavit.

After his arrest by the OSBI, Crittenden was taken to the Muskogee County Detention Center where he later bonded out. 

An arrest warrant has now been issued for Crittenden on the charges filed.

KXMX News Staff 

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