After being struck head-on while leading a procession for another officer, McAlester patrolman Joseph Barlow passes away. We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Joseph Barlow. May you find peace and be surrounded by love during this difficult time. Keep reading this article to know Who is Joseph Barlow and what happened to the officer exactly.
What happened to Joseph Barlow?
MCALESTER, Okla — Following a collision during the funeral procession for one of the department’s captains, a McAlester police officer lost his life.
Patrolman Joseph Barlow was carrying Capt. Richard Parker’s body was from Tulsa to Wetumka on March 17 when he was engaged in a head-on collision with a pickup truck. Parker passed away unexpectedly last week after nearly 26 years of community service the police department stated.
Barlow was sent to a hospital in a serious state but he passed away from his wounds while being attended to by relatives, friends, and local law enforcement, McAlester police reported on Monday.
Who is Joseph Barlow?
Before working for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Barlow served in the U.S. Army after graduating from McAlester High School in 2015. On August 12, 2021, he was sworn in to serve as a patrolman for the McAlester Police Department.
According to Glenpool PD, Martin Rodriguez, who was operating a black Ford F-250 truck with one passenger, did not stop for the procession and swerved to avoid colliding with a stopped car.
Barlow’s family said in a weekend statement they were thankful for the support received from McAlester and communities across the state.
“We have received an outpouring of love, support, and prayers which we are grateful,” the statement said. “As a family, we have been overwhelmed with all the support. Our family has needed these thoughts and prayers.”
Prayers for Barlow’s Family
On Saturday, the general public and law enforcement personnel from all around the county gathered to pray for Barlow and the Parker family.
Details regarding the prayer are given below:
Terren Anderson, the pastor of McAlester’s Life Church, who oversaw the prayer vigil on the steps of the McAlester Police Department, said that people wanted to be critical of who we are and concentrate on the negative. Anderson remarked, “Right now, this community embodies everything beautiful. “It doesn’t matter who we are, what our history is, or what color our skin is. We are related. The start of the vigil coincided with Barlow’s badge number, 114, at 1:14 PM.
Lt. Mickey Virden, the public information officer for the MPD said,
Lt. Mickey Virden, the public information officer for the MPD, stated on social media that March 17 will be a day that he and his fellow officers will never forget.
“When I turned around and returned to the scene, I witnessed three brothers acting similarly to how we do for strangers every day, except this time it was for one of our own. Virden wrote, “Headfirst into a risky scenario and delivering lifesaving measures. I’m happy for them. All of the first responders who offered assistance at the Glenpool incident were acknowledged by Virden.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for concluding Parker’s escort to Wetumka. “To McAlester’s residents. Although our department is struggling, we will nonetheless provide service. Virden written.
Fund Donation For Barlow’s Family
At McAlester’s First National Bank, a fund has been established to help Barlow’s family. Call 918-423-1212 to reach the McAlester Police Department with any inquiries about how to donate.
The McAlester Elk’s Lodge is hosting an all-you-can-eat steak supper on Tuesday as a fundraiser. The event will take place at 3100 Elk Rd. in McAlester from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. For $15, you can get as much sirloin steak, steak fries, and salad as you like. Every money raised will be given to the First National Bank fund.
Who is Martin Rodriguez Rivas?
As per Glenpool PD, the truck then crossed the middle line and collided directly with the McAlester police car. Barlow required three surgeries at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa after having to be removed from his patrol vehicle.
On suspicion of driving without a license and causing significant bodily harm while doing so, police detained the suspect who struck the parade. The driver, Martin Rodriguez Rivas remains in police custody after being booked on complaints of driving illegally while causing great bodily harm and driving without a license.
Thus according to Tulsa County Jail records, Rodriguez was arrested for misdemeanor charges of driving without a license, reckless driving, and a felony offense of causing grievous bodily harm while doing so. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a hold on Rodriguez, according to jail records.
McAlester Police Department Statement
It is with immense sadness that the McAlester Police Department announces the tragic loss of Patrolman Joseph Barlow. Barlow was involved in a head-on collision on March 17, 2023, while escorting the late Captain Richard Parker from Tulsa to Wetumka.
Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries and passed Monday, March 20, 2023, surrounded by many family, friends, and local law enforcement officers.
Barlow served not only his nation in the United States Army but his community of McAlester with great pride. We ask that you keep officer Barlow’s friends, family, and community in your thoughts as they grieve this great loss and continue to cope with recent tragedies.
Senator Markwayne Mullin Government official stated,
Heartbreaking news from McAlester Police Department tonight, as we learn of the passing of Patrolman Joseph Barlow. It’s been a truly devastating week for the department following the loss of Capt. Richard Parker, a beloved 26-year veteran of McAlester Police.
Tonight, our prayers are with the families of Patrolman Barlow and Captain Parker, their fellow officers, and the entire community as we mourn these terrible and sudden losses.
The Oklahoma Standard always comes through during the worst of times. May God bless our law enforcement heroes, and all who serve.
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