Police warn of scam

Tuesday, December 14th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- The president of the McAlester Fraternal Order of Police is warning McAlester residents to beware of telephone solicitators who say they are collecting money for a wounded police officer on behalf of the FOP.

"Anybody who is doing that is running a con to benefit themselves," FOP President Don Hass said. "That's one of the worst things you can do to people, preying on something that's
happened like that."

"We're not calling anybody and asking for funds," Hass said. He said the callers are reportedly asking people to donate $150 to
the FOP to help Randy Davenport, who was accidentally shot by a fellow officer Dec. 2 during a training exercise.

Hass said anyone who receives a phone call from someone purporting to be with the FOP and seeking money should immediately call police so they can try to track down the culprits.

Davenport is expected to be hospitalized three to four more weeks in Tulsa.

Hass said the only fund-raiser that he is aware of involves pins being sold for $25. The pins have the date of the accident and the
identification numbers for both officers.

The pins are to benefit Davenport's family and are a sign of support for both officers, said Officer Richard Parker.