07/05/2026
Safety is of utmost importance! It only takes a few bad actors to ruin the celebration for everyone. We’d like to thank the sheriff’s office for keeping the area safe.
🚨Statement Regarding July 4th Crowd Dispersal in Cartwright🚨
Following the Independence Day celebrations on the evening of July 4, 2026, the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office responded to numerous calls for service in the Cartwright area involving a large, unorganized gathering near the intersection of State Highway 91 and Boat Club Road.
Beginning shortly after 10:00 p.m., deputies received multiple reports of individuals brandishing fi****ms at one another, several physical altercations, minors allegedly consuming alcoholic beverages, and large crowds gathering in and along the roadway while fireworks were being ignited directly on State Highway 91.
To protect the public and restore the safe flow of traffic, the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from several partner agencies, dispersed the crowd and reopened the highway.
I want to make it very clear that this gathering was not organized, sponsored, or sanctioned by the Town of Cartwright or any other known organization. It was an informal gathering that rapidly grew in size and created an unsafe environment for everyone involved.
State highways are designed for the safe movement of traffic, not for gatherings, parties, or the discharge of fireworks. Oklahoma law prohibits stopping, standing, or parking in a manner that obstructs traffic or creates a hazard on public highways under various provisions of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, including laws governing stopping and standing on roadways and obstructing the safe movement of traffic.
Additionally, Oklahoma’s fireworks laws prohibit the reckless ignition or discharge of fireworks in a manner that endangers people or property, including throwing or igniting fireworks at or near groups of people.
While the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office fully supports families celebrating our nation’s independence, we ask everyone to celebrate responsibly. Fireworks, large crowds, alcohol, and roadways are a dangerous combination. The events that unfolded last night could have easily resulted in a tragedy.
Fortunately, this morning we are not mourning the loss of life, nor are we dealing with any major injuries resulting from this incident. For that, we are extremely grateful.
The Bryan County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate the reported criminal activity from last night’s event. Individuals responsible for crimes including assaults, unlawful firearm-related offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, and any other violations of Oklahoma law will be held accountable where evidence supports criminal charges.
I would also like to personally thank every deputy and each of our assisting law enforcement and emergency response partners who worked professionally under challenging circumstances to restore order and protect the public.
As our communities continue to grow, so does our responsibility to keep celebrations safe for everyone. We encourage those attending future events to respect the law, keep roadways clear, celebrate responsibly, and remember that no celebration is worth risking someone’s life.
Sheriff Joey W. Tucker
Bryan County Sheriff’s Office
