Update: A spokesperson for Gov. Kevin Stitt confirmed to OU Daily that the overdose death referred to in the press release is that of 40-year-old James Brannon. Read our original story below.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol cleared several acres of state-owned property along the 200 block of Reed Avenue Friday following a recent overdose death, according to a press release from Gov. Kevin Stitt.
The release states the clearing was part of Operation SAFE, a statewide initiative to clear encampments, trash and hazardous debris from state-owned property.
“During the operation, troopers cleared several acres of state property and recovered thousands of needles and other dangerous materials from the area, ...” the release states. “The recent overdose death in this area and the encampment’s proximity to a residential area presents safety risks for everyone.”
On Saturday afternoon, Cleveland County deputies discovered the body of 40-year-old James Brannon near Reed Avenue and Main Street. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is looking into Brannon’s death.
OSBI spokesman Hunter McKee did not confirm if Stitt was referring to Brannon’s death and wrote OSBI is waiting on the state medical examiner to determine Brannon’s cause and manner of death.
In a Wednesday Facebook post, OSBI wrote there is no suspect at large or threat to the community. During Norman City Council's Tuesday study session, City Manager Darrel Pyle said he does not believe the death was a homicide.
In late April, Norman Police Department and Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office planned to clear an encampment surrounding Food and Shelter at 201 Reed Ave., but efforts were postponed due to a misfiling, according to Ward 4 Councilmember Helen Grant.
On Monday night, NPD cleared a homeless encampment at Frances Cate Park, at 333 N. Carter Ave., less than one mile north of the Operation SAFE clearing efforts, following a 72-hour notice to vacate the park.
This story was edited by Reagan Rozzi.
