In a decisive move, Oilton City Councilors have voted to remove Carl Stout from his position as Police Chief, citing cause for his termination. This decision, made during a heated session at City Hall on Tuesday evening, marks the end of Stout’s tenure, which began last November following the dismissal of former Police Chief Larry Harriss.

Controversial Decision Sparks Community Reaction

The decision to terminate Stout’s employment has stirred strong reactions among Oilton residents. Some expressed relief, citing concerns about the frequent turnover in the position of Police Chief in recent years. Others, however, voiced support for Stout, arguing that he had not committed any wrongdoing during his tenure.

Frank Nattaliano, a resident of Oilton, defended Stout, stating, People hollering and yelling at him, calling him all kinds of names, it just not right, he was a good chief, I hope he stays on. But it ain’t up to me.

Turbulent Proceedings at City Hall

The atmosphere at City Hall grew tense as Councilors entered executive session to deliberate Stout’s fate. Outside, tensions escalated further, with Tulsa attorney Ron Durbin engaging in a heated exchange with Stout. Durbin, whose law license had recently been suspended, was vocal in his opposition to Stout.

Upon emerging from executive session, Councilors announced their decision to terminate Stout’s employment. The announcement was met with a strong reaction from Stout, who visibly expressed his discontent before leaving City Hall.

Legal and Personal Challenges for Stout

Stout’s troubles extend beyond the realm of employment, as evidenced by ongoing legal proceedings. His wife recently filed for divorce and obtained a protective order against him, restricting his ability to carry a firearm—a significant hindrance to his role as Police Chief.

Moreover, Stout’s appearance in court for divorce proceedings coincided with his termination from the police department. The court decided to uphold the protective order, with Stout scheduled to return for further proceedings later in May.

Past Legal Issues

Stout’s recent legal challenges are not isolated incidents. Since 2020, he has faced multiple protective orders, totaling at least eight granted by a judge. While most of these orders have been dismissed, they underscore a pattern of legal entanglements that have now culminated in his removal from office.

Conclusion: A Community Divided

The removal of Carl Stout as Oilton’s Police Chief has left the community divided, reflecting broader tensions surrounding issues of leadership, accountability, and personal conduct. As Oilton moves forward under interim Chief John Hefley, the repercussions of Stout’s tenure continue to reverberate, raising questions about the future of law enforcement in the small town. For the latest updates on local news and developments, download The Local News App.

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