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Police History: How Trooper Charlie Hanger Caught the Oklahoma City Bomber

April 20, 2017 by 911media

 
Thousands who have been left behind with gaping holes in their hearts from the events of April 19, 1995 may take some consolation in knowing that one cop made an incredible impact with one stop

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.

The Arrest

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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Happy 249th birthday to our great nation! Wishing everyone a safe and fun Independence Day. Whether you’re on duty or celebrating with loved ones, may today serve as a reminder of the many freedoms we cherish and the sacrifices made by those who have fought and continue to fight to preserve them.

#independenceday #fourthofjuly #freedom #liberty #america #USA

This morning, the Las Vegas Deputy City Marshals graduated three new officers!

These newest additions to the City of Las Vegas graduated from the Southern Desert Regional Police Academy.

Congratulations to Class 2025-01, and welcome to the greatest show on earth.

The graduating class also welcomed officers with the 8th Judicial District Court, University Police, City of Las Vegas Corrections and City of Las Vegas Firefighter Sean Tolster, who received his Category I Peace Officer certification.

Congratulations!

#police #vegascops #vegasstrong #thinblueline #lasvegas #community #lvppa #cops #firefighters #backtheblue #supportlawenforcement

On June 27, 2025, Undersheriff Brandon Gaede of the Phillips County (KS) Sheriff’s Office was killed in the line of duty.

Undersheriff Gaede was attempting to detain a subject for lighting illegal fireworks when the savage produced a gun and engaged him in a gunfight.

Brandon was 30 years old and had been a cop for eight years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Godspeed, brother.

#honorourfallen #supportlawenforcement #backtheblue #lvppa

*Retirement Alert*

Congratulations to LVMPD Police Officer Michael Freeman, who retired this week after serving our community and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for over 24 years.

LVPPA Executive Director Myron Hamm had the privilege of presenting Michael with a plaque on behalf of a grateful association.

Congratulations, brother, on a great career and a well-earned retirement.

#lvmpd #lasvegas #vegascops #thinblueline #backtheblue #supportlawenforcement #lvppa #community #retirement #cops #police

Today we remember LVMPD Police Officer Jason Swanger, who died of complications from COVID-19 on this day in 2021.

Officer Swanger joined the LVMPD on February 12, 2014. He began his law enforcement career working patrol at the Enterprise Area Command (EAC). From there, he transferred to the South Central Area Command (SCAC) before returning to EAC. Officer Swanger became a field training officer and served as a lead officer overseeing the training of new officers during their first year on patrol. He was devoted to the Explorer Program and was active in educating children at Steve Schorr Elementary School and Charles A. Silvestri Junior High School about law enforcement and making positive life choices.

Before joining the LVMPD, Officer Swanger served as a culinary specialist in the U.S. Navy for 11 years. He continued his service to the country by joining the Nevada Army National Guard.

Officer Swanger was known as a devoted father and husband who went the extra mile for those in need and dedicated himself to policing in order to make a difference in others’ lives. He was 41 years old and was survived by his wife, daughter, son, parents and brother.

We will never forget.

#honorourfallen #thinblueline #supportlawenforcement #lvppa

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