6 things to know for Tuesday, Aug 5, 2025

Several major developments are unfolding across Oklahoma and the region. Tulsa police responded to a kidnapping that turned into a standoff. A body was recovered after a drowning at the Port of Catoosa. And political tensions continue in Texas over redistricting. Here are six key updates.

1. Standoff in Tulsa after woman escapes alleged kidnapping

Tulsa police say a woman was beaten, sexually assaulted, and held against her will in a trailer near 11th Street and 120th East Avenue. She managed to escape and was taken to the hospital.

The suspect locked himself inside the trailer, prompting a standoff that lasted several hours before he was arrested around 4:15 a.m. Police have not released the names of either the suspect or the victim, and her condition has not been made public.

2. Arkansas man drowns at Port of Catoosa

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol confirmed that 54-year-old Tony Odell Reed of Little Rock drowned Monday evening at the Low Water Pier at the Port of Catoosa.

Troopers say Reed was dropped off by a tugboat shortly after 5 p.m. but ended up in the water minutes later. Multiple agencies searched the area and recovered his body. Officials have not said what led to his fall or why he was there.

3. Broken Arrow may crack down on unauthorized camping

City officials are considering a new ordinance that would allow officers to arrest or cite people for camping on public or private land without permission.

Supporters argue the change protects private property. Opponents say it targets unhoused individuals. The proposal includes a warning system that would connect people to mental health and addiction resources. A vote is scheduled in two weeks.

4. Oklahoma biker believes he passed suspected killer

An Oklahoma mountain biker says he may have narrowly missed a suspected double murderer while riding through Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas.

“All I saw was the bright blonde hair and I said, ‘E-bike to your right,’ and I swerved around and just missed him,” Tony McMillan said. “But I thought how weird it was that he was dressed in all black and not in camping or hiking gear.”

Former Oklahoma teacher James McGann has been charged with two counts of capital murder. He was arrested at a Springdale barbershop, where police say he was trying to alter his appearance. Investigators believe the killings were random.

5. Oklahoma AG asks for delay in September execution

Attorney General Gentner Drummond is asking for a 30-day delay in the scheduled Sept. 11 execution of Tremane Wood.

Wood was sentenced to death for a 2001 stabbing during a robbery. But years later, Wood’s older brother confessed to the murder during court testimony. Now, the AG says the current timeline doesn’t allow the Pardon and Parole Board enough time to hold a clemency hearing.

The state Court of Criminal Appeals has until next Wednesday to respond to the request.

6. Texas Democrats remain out-of-state to block vote

More than 50 Texas Democrats are still out of state, aiming to delay a Republican-backed redistricting vote that could shift the balance in Congress.

Lawmakers have traveled to Illinois and New York to prevent quorum in the Texas House. While civil arrest warrants have been issued, they can’t be enforced across state lines.

“Whether it’s tomorrow or next week, the House will complete its required duties,” Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows said.