Broken Arrow police officer fired after arrest, lawyer to file charges

The attorney for a former Broken Arrow police officer said he will file a complaint following the officer’s firing on Tuesday.

The officer was fired following an internal investigation into an arrest he made in May for a traffic violation near 91st Street and Elm Place. News On 6 first reported the story last month when the Broken Arrow Police Department (BAPD) released body camera footage of the incident.

Related: Broken Arrow police release body camera footage showing man arrested on parking violation

One neighbor said she thought the officer’s dismissal was unjustified because he was only doing his job. Two other neighbors, who did not want to appear on camera, said the officer had gone too far.

“I’m investigating a traffic violation,” an officer can be heard saying over the body camera. “You don’t have the right to do that.”

In May, Broken Arrow police arrested Richard McMahon, claiming he was blocking the dead-end street in front of his home with his car. Body camera footage released in June shows officers talking about McMahon.

“I hate that guy,” a police officer can be heard saying on camera. “It would be my great pleasure if we could put Richard McMahon in jail tonight.”

Neighbor Chelsea Salmon said McMahon had called the police several times before because his neighbors were letting their children play in the front yard, for example. Since his arrest in May, things have been much quieter, she said.

“He’s pretty quiet now,” Salmon said. “All because he’s got a lot of public attention now and he’s calmed down. I think once everything goes out of the public eye he might just start doing his thing, but who knows.”

Broken Arrow police did not disclose why the officer was fired or whether any of the officers seen in the video are also under investigation.

BAPD released a public statement:

“On June 5, 2024, the Broken Arrow Police Department released body-worn camera footage of an officer-involved incident that occurred on May 29. The Broken Arrow Police Department immediately launched an internal investigation. After a thorough and comprehensive investigation, the findings were forwarded to the City Manager’s Office for review. Today, the City Manager’s Office terminated Sergeant Michael Ferguson’s employment with the City of Broken Arrow. The Broken Arrow Police Department will always strive to be open and transparent with our community. No further statements will be made at this time.”

Salmon says the officer should not have lost his job because his job is to keep people safe.

“Cops get fired for the dumbest reasons,” Salmon said. “He was just doing his job. Everyone has their own opinion. Regardless of whether he was wrong or not, he should not have been fired. He’s just a cop trying to protect the community, and that’s what he swore to do: protect and serve.”

Richard McMahon declined to speak to News On 6 on camera on Tuesday.