Tulsa Gun Threat: Epps Gets 7 Years

TULSA, OKLAHOMA – Carl Anthony Epps, II, 43, of Tulsa, will spend the next seven years in federal prison after threatening a bar employee with a rifle. Epps was sentenced today for Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, a charge stemming from a February 2024 incident outside a local establishment.

According to court documents, Epps was ejected from the bar for harassing other patrons. Instead of leaving peacefully, he reportedly threatened an employee, claiming he possessed a firearm in his vehicle. Quick-thinking witnesses immediately dialed 911, relaying to law enforcement that Epps had then positioned his vehicle to block the bar’s entrance and was pointing a rifle – equipped with a green laser sight – directly at the employee.

Tulsa Police responded swiftly to the scene. Upon locating Epps, officers discovered the rifle inside his vehicle, confirming the witnesses’ accounts. The incident could have easily escalated into a tragedy, and the quick response of both witnesses and law enforcement prevented further harm.

U.S. District Judge John F. Heil, III, handed down the 84-month (7 year) sentence, followed by five years of supervised release. This isn’t just about a gun; it’s about a deliberate act of intimidation and a blatant disregard for the safety of others. The sentence sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Tulsa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Dowdell prosecuted the case, securing the conviction and subsequent sentencing. Epps will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence across the nation. PSN brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement, alongside community organizations, to address the root causes of violence and create safer neighborhoods. For more information on PSN, visit Justice.gov/PSN. The Department’s strategy focuses on fostering trust within communities, supporting preventative measures, prioritizing strategic enforcement, and diligently measuring the impact of these efforts.