In the years since the deadly blast that killed 168 and injured 680 at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, we in law enforcement have learned numerous lessons. We’ve improved our tactical response to mass-casualty incidents. We’ve become more effective in conducting investigations — and sting operations — that prevent similar incidents from even occurring.
One lesson we must always remember was taught to us by Noble County (Okla.) Trooper Charlie Hanger. Hanger — who now serves as Noble County Sheriff — is proof that one cop can have incredible impact with a single traffic stop.
That stop resulted in the bombers being brought swiftly to justice — Timothy McVeigh was put to death, and his accomplice, Terry Nichols, is serving a life sentence.
Charlie was on patrol working the day shift when the Oklahoma City bomb exploded. He was initially dispatched from his area to assist, but almost instantly was called off and told to remain in his own area.
A short time later, Charlie passed a yellow Mercury missing a registration tag. Charlie slowed to let the driver of the Mercury get ahead of him. As he did, Charlie hit his overhead lights to begin the vehicle stop.
As the driver pulled his vehicle over, Charlie got a strange feeling about the occupant. Even though the stop was for a minor violation, Charlie sensed something more serious was going on besides a missing registration tag.
Charlie paid attention to his inner voice and orchestrated a non-approach vehicle contact. Instead of just walking up on the Mercury, he called for the driver to step out of the vehicle. Hanger watched the suspect exit his car. He had the man walk to the area between the squad and the Mercury.
When Charlie asked for the suspect’s driver’s license, the suspect reached for it. This movement alerted Hanger to the outline of a weapon impressed under the suspect’s jacket. During a verbal exchange, the suspect —now known to be Timothy McVeigh — admitted to having a weapon and said it was loaded.
Charlie had drawn his own weapon, and as he covered the suspect he replied, “So is mine.”
Charlie handcuffed McVeigh and discovered that he had a .45 caliber Glock loaded with the devastating Black Talon Rounds. McVeigh carried his Glock in a quick-draw “suicide holster.” Charlie’s search also revealed McVeigh had a spare magazine and a knife hidden on his person.
Charlie took McVeigh to jail and booked him on a carrying a concealed weapon charge. It was here that McVeigh gave his address in Michigan — the address he gave was that of the brother of his accomplice, Terry Nichols.
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