Lawton, OK – A potentially dangerous situation was swiftly contained during Lawton’s annual Freedom Festival, thanks to the quick response and coordination of Lawton Police Department officers and vigilant festivalgoers.
According to the department, officers were initially responding to a disturbance involving multiple juveniles when they and several spectators observed what appeared to be either fireworks or possible gunshots coming from a south parking area. Attendees at the event provided officers with a description of a male seen fleeing the area with a handgun tucked into his waistband.
Officers immediately shifted their focus and, through rapid coordination, located and safely took the suspect into custody. The individual was later identified as Kendrell Averett. A stolen firearm was recovered during the arrest.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
The case has been presented to the Comanche County District Attorney’s Office, which has filed charges against Averett, including possession of a firearm after a former felony conviction and possession of stolen property.
The Lawton Police Department thanked the public for their cooperation and emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe environment for both residents and visitors.
“Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the Freedom Festival a celebration of unity, family, and pride in our Lawton-Fort Sill community,” the department stated.
Lawton Police encourage the community to stay connected by following their social media channels for further updates and public safety information.
