Former Bricktown security guard seeks justice after shooting injuries
OKLAHOMA CITY OK March 14 2024 A former Bricktown security guard says he’s sustained life-changing injuries after being shot back in 2021.
The shooting happened in the early hours of the morning of Nov. 7 while Richard Luman was working security for Brickopolis.
Oklahoma City Police told News 4 at the time that a fight broke out near the venue and that it led to an exchange of gunfire between Leontaz Bethany and an unknown suspect.
Luman said one of the bullets fired in the shooting hit him in the chest.
“I didn’t know what was going on,” said Luman. “Then all of a sudden I got hit and it was, it was pretty terrifying.”
Luman described his experience in a 2021 affidavit that led to Bethany’s arrest. He said he saw a male wearing dark clothing jump out of some bushes, heard the gunfire and then felt a sharp pain in his chest where he was shot. He also told police at the time he believed that suspect had shot him.
Police were able to use that information, along with a cellphone registered to Bethany, found by a bystander at the scene to issue the affidavit for his arrest. Court documents say he entered a guilty plea for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
News 4 confirmed with police Tuesday that no additional arrests have been made since.
“With the psychological damage and stuff like that, it’s been, it’s been pretty rough,” said Luman. “Even a couple of weeks ago, I was with the family, with my wife and daughter. We’re at a CVS, and someone’s car backfired, and I, I freaked out.”
Luman said as much as he’s tried to find closure, there are constant reminders in his daily routine.
“They just said that [the bullet] bounced around and in my insides, hit my liver,” said Luman.
Luman said he struggles with sleeping more than a few hours a day due to constant pain, he has to walk with a cane and his back and legs are permanently damaged. He’s also dealing with other medical issues.
“If I don’t urinate really quickly, then I will start projectile vomiting everywhere,” said Luman.
News 4 asked Luman if he had anything to say to the person or people still out there, connected to the incident that haven’t been arrested.
