Woman dies following Tulsa shooting near 8th and Utica, suspect arrested and accused of murder

Tulsa police are investigating a late-night shooting that sent a woman to the hospital, where she later died, and left officers searching for answers outside a local pawn shop.

Authorities say the shooting happened just before midnight Wednesday near 8th Street and Utica Avenue. Tulsa Police said suspect Joe Ryan called them an hour later, claiming he was being carjacked by the woman and fired a shot, but homicide detectives say that claim is not true. He's now arrested and facing first-degree murder charges.

Initial breaking news details below...

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What happened outside the pawn shop?

Police say a group of people were gathered outside EZ Pawn when someone in a dark-colored car drove by and opened fire.

The gunfire hit one woman. Witnesses told officers they believe the shooter and victim may have known each other.

After the shots rang out, the crowd scattered—many running toward a nearby QuikTrip.

The victim’s condition

Initially, police believed the woman’s injuries were life-threatening. But after being taken to the hospital, investigators said she may have been under the influence of drugs, which made it difficult to assess her condition. Officers later determined the injuries were not critical.

Tulsa Police Captain Jeff Edwards said the woman was found in the QuikTrip parking lot before being transported to the hospital by EMSA.

Police locate possible suspect

Roughly 90 minutes after the shooting, officers located a potential suspect. That individual is now being questioned, though no arrests have been announced.

Police are still canvassing the area and hope someone nearby may have captured video of the vehicle or the shooting.

Call for surveillance video

Investigators are urging nearby residents and businesses to review any cameras that may have captured the incident.

“If you have any footage from that area or saw something unusual, we want to hear from you,” police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Tulsa Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS.