A former Canadian County sheriff’s deputy has waived his right to a preliminary court hearing in a sexual battery case.

Edmond’s David Joseph Randall, 53, was charged with the felony crime Aug. 8, 2024, in Canadian County District Court.

Randall was fired in spring 2024 from the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office for sexual misconduct while on duty. He previously was Luther’s police chief and a Calumet police officer.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Despite criticism from state lawmakers, the head of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety on Thursday dug his heels in on a plan to pull patrols from seven urban and suburban areas.  

Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton said the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s resources will be reallocated to rural areas beginning Nov. 1 because of higher call volume and changing traffic patterns throughout the state.

Some of the state’s largest energy companies are at the front of the line for a $50 million state incentive to upgrade oil and gas equipment. The fund to limit methane emissions established under a Biden administration rule is now under review by the Trump administration. 

Dean Watson, 82, passed away July 5, 2025.

Services to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 12 at Kingfisher Church of Christ.

Cremation services were under the care of Wilson Funeral Home.