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Local News

January 18, 2009

Deputy dismissed

Mike Friend



Grady County Deputy Neal Locke’s employment was terminated this week while he was on administrative leave after a burglary suspect was wounded.

“All I can say is that the decision ... had nothing to do with the recent shooting,” said Grady County Sheriff Art Kell.

“I was recently told by an OSBI agent that the shooting was justified,” said Kell, who would not disclose the reasons beind Locke’s dismissal.

The shooting came after a victim called in a burglary at a home off Highway 81. The suspect was later identified as Thomas Dewayne Cleghorn, 35, of Norge.

The man flashed a gun at the officers,, Kell said.

According to officers’ statements the man raised the gun and aimed it at the deputies.

Locke gave a warning to the suspect then fired several shots, one of which hiit Cleghorn.

“The department stands behind Locke and his decision to act in the safety of himself and his fellow officers,” Kell said the day after the incident..

OSBI officials said Friday their findings had been given to the District Attorney per policy.

 “We just received that file and I hope to have it reviewed by next week, I will be able to make that determination at that time,” said District Attorney Bret Burns.

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