SAPULPA, Okla. — The Creek County Sheriff’s Office has announced the line-of-duty death of Deputy Adam James Heitman, 38, following a medical emergency after the successful apprehension of a wanted felon.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Heitman was part of a multi-agency operation on Wednesday, July 15, involving the Creek County Sheriff’s Office Task Force, Creek County Sheriff’s deputies, the United States Marshals Service, and the Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police. The team was working to apprehend a wanted felon who was sought on multiple felony warrants and had recently assaulted a law enforcement officer while escaping custody.
Authorities said the suspect attempted to flee by jumping a fence, crossing a creek, and running through an open field. Deputy Heitman and his K-9 partner, Thanos, pursued the suspect and successfully took him into custody without further incident.
Less than an hour after the arrest, while back at the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Heitman suffered a medical emergency. Fellow deputies and Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers immediately began lifesaving efforts until emergency responders arrived. Creek County EMS and the Sapulpa Fire Department continued extensive resuscitation efforts before transporting him to Ascension St. John Sapulpa Hospital.
Despite the efforts of first responders and hospital staff, Deputy Heitman was pronounced dead at 7:41 p.m.
Before joining the Creek County Sheriff’s Office in 2022, Deputy Heitman served two years with the Kiefer Police Department and four years in the United States Marine Corps. During his military service, he served as a Team Leader with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines and deployed to Iraq. He also served as a Reconnaissance Marine, Combat Instructor, and Weapons Instructor before receiving an honorable discharge in 2010.
During his time with the Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Heitman served as both a patrol deputy and later as a K-9 handler with Thanos. Within months of joining the agency, he was credited with saving the life of an overdose victim and received the Sheriff’s Life Saving Award for his actions.
The Sheriff’s Office described Deputy Heitman as a highly respected member of the agency, the K-9 community, and the law enforcement profession. Officials said the tremendous respect he earned was evident as numerous law enforcement officers gathered at the hospital before escorting him to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
In a statement, the Creek County Sheriff’s Office said:
“Deputy Heitman exemplified courage, service, and dedication to others. He served his community, his fellow deputies, and his country with honor. His loss is immeasurable, and he will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.”
Deputy Heitman is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by the Creek County Sheriff’s Office when they become available.
