Standridge Applauds Closure of Reed Avenue Encampment, Continued Enforcement to Keep Site Clear

Senator Says Public Safety is Paramount as 17 Arrested After Recent Sweep

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, today praised law enforcement for clearing the Reed Avenue encampment in Norman and taking action against individuals who returned to the state-owned property despite repeated warnings that doing so violates state law.

Standridge said the Oklahoma Highway Patrol has now cleared the Reed Avenue encampment three times in recent months. After a sweep on Friday and repeated warnings that camping is not permitted, 17 individuals who chose to return were arrested on various charges, including some for drug and alcohol-related crimes.

These recent arrests make one thing abundantly clear: public safety must come first, Standridge said.

During Friday’s sweep, law enforcement removed approximately 16 tons of trash, including drug and needle paraphernalia, from the property and reported that neighborhood residents around the encampment were afraid to check their mail and leave their homes.  

"It's evident that repeated sweeps and consistent efforts to connect individuals with services and treatment are key to preventing this encampment from returning,” Standridge said. “Illegal camping, drug activity and unsafe conditions cannot become accepted parts of life in Norman. Residents and children deserve safe, clean public spaces. I will never stop advocating for a safe, sanitary, pro-business and pro-family environment in Norman or any other community, for that matter."  

Standridge thanked Governor Kevin Stitt for his commitment to public safety. She also thanked the OHP troopers and local law enforcement for working in this extreme heat to maintain law and order in Norman.