Oklahoma Man Arrested After Repeatedly Punching Deer and Hitting Passing Cars in Ponca City
PONCA CITY, Oklahoma — Police in northern Oklahoma arrested a man over the weekend after witnesses reported seeing him repeatedly punching a deer in the head on the side of the road — and even taking swings at passing vehicles.
Bizarre 911 Calls Lead Police to the Scene
The Ponca City Police Department received multiple 911 calls Sunday afternoon from drivers reporting that a man was attacking a deer along Lake Road, just northwest of the city.
When officers arrived, they found Johnny Seal, 38, still punching the deer and behaving erratically near the roadway. According to police, Seal told them he was “putting the deer out of its misery” after it had been hit by a car.
“He said he decided that punching the deer to death was the best solution,” a responding officer wrote in the report.
Suspect Also Punches Passing Cars
Witnesses told police that Seal had been swinging at passing vehicles, apparently angry that no one stopped to give him a ride. Officers said he appeared intoxicated and gave them a false name during questioning.
He was later identified and arrested on multiple charges, including:
- Animal cruelty
- Public intoxication
- Providing false information to police
- Assault and battery on a law enforcement officer
- Placing bodily fluids on a law enforcement officer
Suspect Fights Officers During Arrest
While being transported to the Kay County Detention Center, Seal allegedly tried to kick out the patrol car windows and later fought with officers upon arrival.
Police confirmed the deer had to be humanely euthanized after officers determined it could not survive its injuries.
Unusual Incident Draws Attention Online
The strange case quickly spread across local media and social platforms, where users expressed disbelief over the details. Ponca City officials reminded residents to call authorities when encountering injured wildlife instead of trying to intervene.
“If you see an animal in distress, don’t take matters into your own hands,” the department said. “Call police or animal control so trained personnel can respond safely.”
For more Oklahoma crime updates and community safety news, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
Naperville is a community with stories that deserve to be told — both the serious ones about safety and justice, and the lighter ones that capture our culture and daily life. I focus on covering crime reports and court updates while also highlighting the traditions, events, and social trends that shape who we are. Through my reporting, I want to give readers a fuller picture of Naperville — the challenges we face and the character that keeps our city strong.