Full Notification

Monday just before 1:00 p.m., Cushing police officer Lucas Armenta and MPO Bill McCarty were sent to the Cushing High School after a school administrator reported a student, later identified as Cushing resident Tyler Don Watkins, WM, 18 years of age, appeared to be under the influence and was beginning to act belligerent.

When police arrived, they contacted Watkins in the school office. According to the arrest affidavit presented by Officer Armenta, he recognized Watkins was unsteady on his feet, had disorganized thoughts and was difficult to understand. When questioned by Officer Armenta about his being intoxicated, Watkins said he had taken an ecstasy pill over the weekend and was still, “feeling it”. A search of Watkins locker at the school yielded a small pink pill that was initially identified as ecstasy by Watkins.

As the investigation continued, Detective Adam Harp was able to obtain a telephonic search warrant for a residence in the 400 blk E. Broadway Street, which yielded additional evidence of suspected drug activity involving Watkins. Detective Harp is presenting a separate case to the Payne County D.A.’s office because of what was discovered during the search warrant.

Officer Armenta arrested Watkins and brought him to the Cushing jail where he was held overnight. Watkins was taken to Stillwater this morning where he is expected to appear before a judge to be arraigned on one count each of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Drug Within 1000’ of a school and Intoxication by Consumption of a Controlled Dangerous Drug.

“This arrest should serve as a stern reminder that this type of criminal activity is not acceptable in our school system,” Chief Terry Brannon said. “Officer Lucas Armenta, MPO Bill McCarty and Detective Adam Harp did a very good job investigating this case from beginning to end,” he said. “I want to also commend Mr. Lauerman and Mrs. Reece, both administrators at the high school, for their cooperation and handling of this incident,” Brannon said.

“The evidence seized at the school and during the search warrant will be sent to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for analysis,” Deputy Chief Tully Folden said.

Photo: Tyler Don Watkins