Man accused of shooting, injuring police officer near Webbers Falls arrested in New Mexico

The man accused of shooting a police officer near Webbers Falls on Sunday has been arrested in Grants, New Mexico, according to the Muskogee County sheriff.

The Sheriff's Office reports that Billy Wayne Williams was injured when he was taken into custody sometime Monday morning. He has been transported to a New Mexico hospital with a gunshot wound but is alive and stable, per the Sheriff's Office who have spoken with FBI and New Mexico police.

Grants is about 80 miles west of Albuquerque and a nearly 11-hour drive from Webbers Falls. The FBI will take over the investigation due to the tribal status of Williams.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) reported that a shooting occurred during a traffic stop at around 5:45 p.m. after an officer initially tried to pull over a speeding driver now identified as Billy Wayne Williams. Williams eventually stopped and at some point during the stop, shots were fired.

The officer sustained an injury to the face from the gunfire but has since been treated and released from the hospital. It is unclear if Williams was injured during the incident.

Insights from Webbers Falls Police Chief:

Webbers Falls Police Chief Mike James says this has been difficult for the small police force.

"We are a small force here, and we are very tight and very much like family. Being the oldest, it feels like this has happened to one of my children," James said.

Previous Story: Webbers Falls Police officer shot, authorities searching for suspect

Multiple agencies, including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Cherokee Marshals, and the Muskogee County Sheriff's Office were involved in the search.