TCSO Releases Brief Statement On Tony Stewart Chili Bowl Altercation

The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office has released a brief statement on the Chili Bowl altercation that involved an off-duty deputy.

County sheriff’s deputy Kyle Hess, who was a spectator at the Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa over the weekend, reportedly made obscene gestures at pro racer Tony Stewart.

1/16/2016 Related Story: Video Shows Tony Stewart In Confrontation With Tulsa Deputy At Chili Bowl

Witnesses took video as Stewart entered the stands to confront Hess. The two had an exchange of words before security intervened.

The Tulsa County Sheriff's Office told News On 6 on Saturday that it is opening an investigation into the conduct of Hess.

On Friday, TCSO Spokesman Deputy Justin Green emailed this statement:
 

The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office takes seriously the conduct of its employees, whether on duty or off duty.

While we respect our employees’ rights to free speech, we also expect all of our employees to follow the TCSO’s Code of Ethics which each pledges to uphold as part of their employment and to set an example at all times.