Police: Woman beheaded in workplace dispute at Okla. plant
By Austin Prickett, KOKH TV
Published: Sep 26, 2014 at 8:01 AM PDT Last Updated: Sep 26, 2014 at 3:27 PM PDT
The Moore Police Department says that a man beheaded a woman after a workplace dispute Thursday at a food distribution plant.
Moore police say the suspect, 30-year-old Alton Nolen, beheaded a co-worker at Vaughan Foods just after 4 p.m. Thursday.
In a press conference Friday Moore Police Department Sgt. Jeremy Lewis said Nolen had just been fired by Vaughan Foods before attacking and beheading 54-year-old co-worker Colleen Hufford.
According to police, the suspect then stabbed another co-worker, 43-year-old Traci Johnson, at the business before being shot by Oklahoma County Reserve Deputy and the COO of the company Mark Vaughan.
Police say Nolen and the second victim were transported to the hospital Thursday and are now in stable condition.
Through interviews with Nolen's co-workers at the business, the Moore PD learned that the suspect had recently attempted to convert co-workers to Islam. The Moore PD has contacted the FBI in an effort to look more into Nolen's background.
The Oklahoma City Division of the FBI confirmed they were assisting the Moore Police Department in the investigation into the alleged attack.
The FBI says the motive for the alleged attack is still undetermined and that they have no indication any additional threat to Oklahoma citizens exists.
Police say the knife used in the attack is one that is typically used at the food distribution business. Police say the victims and suspect have no relationship.
Moore Police credit Vaughan with saving the life of the second victim.
"He's a hero in this situation. It could have gotten a lot worse" Lewis said.
In 911 calls released from the incident, gunshots can be heard in the background of the call. Nolen spent several years in Oklahoma prisons after being convicted on several charges.
Vaughan Foods released the following statement regarding the attack:
On behalf of everyone at Vaughan Foods, we are shocked and deeply saddened by the events of today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the team member we lost and all those affected.
Our focus is on the safety and well-being of our employees. We will provide counseling and support for our team members and support each other through this difficult time.
We are working with authorities on this active investigation and ask that you direct your questions to local law enforcement.
Had to take a picture of this ....................
