Teen Dies by Suicide During an Archery Class After Taking Off-Duty Officer’s Gun

A 17-year-old boy died by suicide at the Tulsa Boys’ Home on Monday morning after he managed to take an off-duty police officer’s gun during an archery lesson and fatally shot himself, authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred around 9:23 a.m. inside the home’s gym in Sand Springs, where two off-duty Tulsa Police Department officers were teaching archery to residents—a program that’s been part of the facility’s recreational offerings for a decade.

According to the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the teen approached one of the instructors from behind and grabbed the firearm from the officer’s holster before turning it on himself. Two other students were present at the time.

“It came out of absolutely nowhere,” said Casey Roebuck, spokesperson for the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. “There was no indication that the officer could have seen what was about to occur. It’s just a huge tragedy.”

Officials identified the teen as Malaki Montgomery, who was in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Authorities said the officer whose gun was used has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the case is being investigated as a suicide.

“Our hearts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected by the tragic death of this young man,” Roebuck said in a written statement.

Captain Richard Meulenberg of the Tulsa Police Department, who oversees the archery program, described the day’s events as “every officer’s nightmare.”

“This was supposed to be a positive, wholesome program,” Meulenberg told KJRH. “This officer is deeply invested in these kids. He’s been volunteering here for years. Unfortunately, it ended in complete tragedy today.”

The officer was reportedly dressed in a soft uniform, carrying a department-issued gun in a holster with a locking mechanism. “Officers use a variety of holsters,” Meulenberg explained, “but sometimes situations unfold faster than anyone can react.”

Founded in 1918, the Tulsa Boys’ Home is one of the oldest residential treatment centers in Oklahoma, dedicated to helping boys between ages 13 and 18 who struggle with behavioral, emotional, and substance abuse issues.

In a statement to local media, the organization confirmed that emergency services were immediately called and that a Crisis Intervention Team was deployed to help residents and staff cope with the trauma.

“Out of respect for the students’ and family’s privacy, we cannot release further details at this time,” the home said. “We ask everyone to keep all involved, in particular the TBH boys and the involved officers, in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

The archery program, run by volunteer officers for the past 10 years, had never experienced an incident until now. But after Monday’s tragedy, police say they’ll be reviewing every aspect of how off-duty programs involving weapons are handled.

“Unfortunately, today is an eye-opener,” Meulenberg said. “No one wants this program to stop, but it does make us all take a moment to reevaluate how we can keep both students and officers safe.”

As the community mourns, grief counselors have been brought in for residents and staff at the boys’ home.