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November 16, 2009

NEW: Stabbing victim, responding deputy improve

By Meghan McCormick



A sex offender who slit his own throat with a knife inside a Cleveland County courtroom Thursday is improving at Norman Regional Hospital, the sheriff's department said Monday.

Cleveland County Undersheriff Rhett Burnett said Troy Leal, 43, was listed in critical condition at Norman Regional Hospital's intensive care unit Monday. Burnett didn't know if Leal had regained consciousness yet, but was told his condition had improved.

Leal is under guarded care.

District Judge William C. Hetherington, Jr., had just sentenced Leal to six years with the Department of Corrections for violating his probation when he took out a knife, cut his own throat and stabbed a Cleveland County deputy who tried to restrain him.

Deputy Steve Lucas said he expected to be away from work for at least a week as he recovered from his wounds.

"I originally thought I had four wounds, but I had six," Lucas said.

Lucas also suffered a small gash in his left hand. He received 18 stitches in his arm.

Lucas said he believes Leal stabbed him with an X-Acto knife. Lucas didn't realize he was wounded and held pressure on Leal's injuries until emergency crews arrived to the courtroom.

"I was just covered with blood," he said.

Lucas said that's when he looked at his arm and saw his own injuries.

"It could have certainly been worse," Lucas said.

He said he doesn't believe any permanent damage was done to his arm or hand. Lucas was scheduled to visit a doctor Monday afternoon to learn more about his recovery.

Meghan McCormick

366-3539

mmccormick@normantranscript.com

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