A former Tulsa police officer, D’Angelo Rise, is facing first-degree rape charges after his body camera footage revealed inappropriate conversations and actions towards a woman he encountered while on patrol.
On April 17th of the previous year, Officer Rise was on duty when he encountered a woman walking her dog. The initial interaction seemed routine, with Rise asking if she lived nearby.
Image of a police officer's body camera
However, the conversation took a disturbing turn as captured by his body camera. Rise, providing a false name, began making inappropriate comments, stating, “You’re sexy. Is that unprofessional of me? I don’t know. I’m sorry but like I’m just like damn.”
He proceeded to inquire about her evening plans and where she could be found later. “You just chilling tonight? Me probably. Okay. If I’m wandering around, where should I wander? Probably somewhere around the Studio [Star]… At the Studio Star, okay,” Rise can be heard saying.
The bodycam footage ends before the interaction concluded. However, investigators say Rise obtained the woman’s phone number and called her later that evening.
According to the victim’s statement, Rise allegedly asked her if she was a prostitute before looking up her information in the Tulsa Police Department system. Discovering her lengthy criminal history, Rise allegedly intimidated her by saying “it wouldn’t take much to put a person with her record back in prison.”
Fearing that Rise might plant evidence and have her arrested, the woman claims he then raped her. She alleges he used a condom and later disposed of it in the toilet.
When confronted by the Special Victims Unit, Rise initially claimed he believed the victim was a homicide suspect and denied any sexual contact. He later admitted to having sex with her but insisted it was consensual.
Rise resigned from the Tulsa Police Department on June 9th of the previous year, after serving five years. He was arrested the following day and charged with first-degree rape.
Image of a courtroom setting
Despite pleading not guilty to the charges in June 2022, Rise’s attorney released a statement acknowledging that his client’s behavior was “inappropriate” but maintains his innocence.
Rise’s next court appearance is scheduled for next month. The case continues to be investigated, with further updates expected as the legal proceedings unfold.
