Tulsa Police are investigating an overnight shooting where a man allegedly shot and killed someone for trying to steal a a trailer connected to his vehicle.
The man was questioned by police and released without charges. Tulsa Police will talk to the Tulsa District Attorney's Office to discuss options moving forward in the investigation.
According to TRD, the man saw the person trying to steal his property and called police. When officers arrived the man was shot and was pronounced dead shortly after.
"The owner of the truck and trailer who ultimately said he did fire rounds at the suspect as he was trying to steal the trailer," said Captain Jeff Edwards with the Tulsa Police Department.
Although the man was defending his property, Oklahoma law is unclear on whether or not someone can defend property with a gun, without their life being threatened.
"The Stand Your Ground Law and the Castle Doctrine are very strong in Oklahoma to wherever you have a legal right to be, you have the legal right to defend yourself, but that is very weak when it comes to defending property," said Don Spencer, President of OK2A.
OK2A is a second amendment advocacy group. Spencer said some statutes in the Oklahoma Constitution, like Article 2:26, defines the right to use firearms to defend your home, person and property. Other statutes in the state do not include the right to protect property.
"If someone is trying to take property, such as stealing your car or motorcycle or your purse, force including deadly force will be highly, highly questioned by district attorneys on your actions," he said.
Oklahoma law also prohibits people from displaying guns as a defense tactic. Brandishing or points a firearm at another person can lead to charges.
Proposed Senate Bill 925 in Oklahoma would allow displaying a gun as a way of defending yourself and your property legal. The bill has not passed into law though.
Spencer said Oklahoma law can become more confusing when someone is trying to defend themselves or their property while in a common area.
In Friday's shooting, the alleged shooter lives in the apartment complex where his vehicle and trailer was parked. He doesn't own the land or complex but he does own his vehicle.
"Defending your property in a common area, that would be like an apartment parking lot or a supermarket parking lot, is going to be weaker than being able to protect your own private property like on your own driveway or in your own yard," said Spencer.