A Creek County Deputy, Adam James Heitmann, died in the line of duty, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Heitmann was 38 years old.
A multi agency team consisting of the Creek County Sheriff ’s Task Force, Creek County Deputies, the US Marshals and Lighthorse Police, apprehended a wanted felon, Justin Michael Hughes, who was sought on felony warrants and who had assaulted a Depew police officer while escaping from custody. Depew Police pulled him over in a traffic stop on July 7, 2026, and found out he had a warrant in Wagoner County.
A member of the arrest team, Deputy Heitmann and his partner K-9 officer Thanos, pursued the suspect as the suspect jumped a fence, crossed a creek and ran through an open field. The suspect was apprehended and taken into custody. This took place in the area of the Sapulpa Walmart.
Less than an hour after the pursuit, while at the Creek County Sheriff ’s office, Heitmann suffered a medical emergency. Deputies and OHP troopers rendered aid until the emergency medical team arrived.
Emergency teams applied life saving measures as Heitmann was rushed to St. Johns Sapulpa, but despite the life saving measures, Deputy Heitmann died. Heitmann had only been with the Creek County Sheriff ’s office for a couple of years.
The suspect, Hughes, was taken into custody and booked into the Creek County Jail. He is charged with allegedly assaulting a police officer, escape from arrest, convicted felon in possession of a fire arm, interfering or mistreating a police dog, resisting an executive officer, escape after lawful arrest, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and conspiracy. Hughes has a list of former convictions including a charge of DUI on January 16, 2026. This case is pending. In Tulsa County in April 2021, Hughes was sentenced to six years for stolen property, stolen vehicle, endangering others while eluding and obstruction. In 2016 Hughes has a charge of escape and was sentenced to two years prison, In 2016 he was charged with: concealing stolen property and sentenced to four years prison and 2014 he was charged with possession of drugs. He received a three year deferred sentence on this case. In Creek County, Hughes has charges of misdemeanor convictions for witness intimidation, three counts of misdemeanor assault, contempt of court and domestic assault and resisting arrest. Also in Atoka County in 2016 he has an escape conviction. Hughes bond is set at $500,000.
Also arrested was Hughes girlfriend, Brittany Nicole Sanders, age 36, from Bristow. She was booked into Creek County Jail on charges of allegedly harboring a fugitive and conspiracy to commit a felony. Her bond is listed at $70,000.