logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Public Notices
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Public Notices
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
News
November 2, 2023
Woman arrested after attacking officers, others
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR,

Vamella Marie Banks, 38, of Checotah, is facing charges of assaulting a police officer and a medical care provider as well as malicious injury to property under $1,000 in value and resisting an officer.

Associate District Judge Brendon Bridges on Friday, Oct. 27, entered a not guilty plea on behalf of the defendant and set bond at $25,000. Her pre-preliminary hearing conference will be held on Nov. 29 at 9 a.m.

Banks was arrested on July 27 after exhibiting bizarre behavior at a stranger’s residence in a rural area east of Eufaula.

Arresting officer Deputy Quinton Short said when he arrived at the scene he ended up in a battle with a suspect whose arms were covered in blood.

After her arrest, the suspect was taken to McAlester Regional Hospital and, because of the seriousness of the injuries to her arms, she was transported to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Short stated in his arrest report.

She spent several days in the hospital before being released into police custody and taken to the McIntosh County jail.

Short said he went to the rural McIntosh County residence after receiving a report that a woman was trying to break into a man’s home.

“The caller advised that he did not know the woman,” said the probable cause affidavit.

When Short arrived at the scene he said he was met by a male in a wheelchair, identified as Mark Caldwell, owner of the residence.

Caldwell said a strange woman, later identified as Banks, was in a bedroom of the residence breaking things and a home health aid was locked in a bathroom.

With some difficulty, Short was able to get the suspect out of the bedroom, he said.

“Once in the hallway, (Banks) began fighting with me and attempted to bite my left arm. (She) hit me with the back of her hand. I pushed (her) against the wall and was able to partially control one arm. Due to the fact Vamella’s arms were covered in blood, they were slick and hard to control her body movements,” Short said.

A second deputy, Jeff January, arrived and assisted in handcuffing the suspect.

“Once Vamella was placed into hand restraints, she began trying to kick me in the legs,” Short said.

An ambulance arrived and the EMS aid determined that the suspect was possibly under the influence of drugs and “could be overdosing,” according to the probable cause report.

The EMS administered Narcan to the suspect, which calmed her down, Short said.

But, while in the ambulance, the suspect allegedly bit one of the medics.

A Food Pantry guided by faith and experience
A: Main, News...
A Food Pantry guided by faith and experience
February 26, 2026
“I’ve been hungry. That’s why I started it.” Just east of Highway 69 on Texanna Road sits a single building that houses Thimbles N Thread Quilt Shop, owned by LaDonna McKay. The fab- ric and quilting ...
this is a test
2026 National Theme: A Century of Black History Commemorations
A: Main, News...
2026 National Theme: A Century of Black History Commemorations
By ALMA HARPER GARDENIA ART FEDERATED CLUB The sit-ins 
February 26, 2026
The Sit-In movement was a nonviolent movement of the United Civil Rights era. The sit-in, an act of civil disobedience, was a tactic that aroused sympathy for demonstrators among moderates and uninvol...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Circle the State with Song Concert
February 26, 2026
Local elementary and middle school students will be participating in Circle the State with Song (CTSWS), a statewide choral event sponsored by the Oklahoma Music Educators Association. Circle the Stat...
this is a test
Tytin Daniels takes 2nd in state
A: Main, News...
Tytin Daniels takes 2nd in state
February 26, 2026
Nine-year-old Tytin Daniels won 2nd place in the 8U Heavy Weight division at the 2026 OKWA 48th Annual State Championships on Saturday, Feb. 21. The tournaments took place throughout the day at the OG...
this is a test
Morning Rescue inspired by Paws N Claws pup
A: Main, News...
Morning Rescue inspired by Paws N Claws pup
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
February 26, 2026
Paws N Claws started their meager rescue efforts to save the local pound pups on January 26, 2024. Some of the first dogs ever adopted went out of state and one very lucky pup was adopted by Brad Shro...
this is a test
News
C.A.R.D. Senior Nutrition menu
February 26, 2026
March 2 - March 6 611 N. Broadway, Checotah Please call 918-237-1118 for meal reservations by 12 p.m. the day before services. Monday, March 2: Chicken & Noodles; cabbage; pickled beets; cake; milk Tu...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
News
Abner Haynes
By By Michael Barnes 
February 26, 2026
this is a test
News
Get ready for a Chili Cookin’ weekend of fun
February 26, 2026
Get ready for a weekend of fun, food and friendly competition at the 18th Annual Checotah Chili Cook-Off this Saturday, Feb. 28! This year competitors will set up at the First Free Will Baptist Life C...
this is a test
ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH SEMINAR
News
ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH SEMINAR
February 26, 2026
Saturday, February 28 at 11 a.m. Mt. Olive Star Baptist Church 413665 E. 1080 Rd., Checotah, OK Rev. Samuel Cunningham, Pastor Sponsored by the Warrior School Restoration Organization Inc. Alma Harper...
this is a test
A Century of Black History Commemorations
News
A Century of Black History Commemorations
February 26, 2026
The theme for 2026 Black History Month is “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” honoring its 100th anniversary. This theme emphasizes 100 years of intentional efforts to honor, study, and prese...
this is a test
News
Free tax preparation available
February 26, 2026
Free tax preparation service is being offered by the AARP Foundation beginning Feb. 14 and continuing through April 11. The service will be available on Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Eufaula C...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy