Crime
Suspect in Custody Following Pursuit Near University of Oklahoma Campus
Norman, Oklahoma – A suspect initially believed to be armed has been apprehended by law enforcement following an extensive pursuit near the University of Oklahoma (OU) campus. The individual is reportedly connected to a stolen vehicle incident in Noble that prompted a multi-agency response and temporary school lockdowns.
According to Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) Lt. Eric Foster, at approximately 9:00 a.m., OHP was alerted by Cleveland County authorities and the Norman Police Department (NPD) that officers were in pursuit of a stolen vehicle occupied by multiple individuals. During the incident, law enforcement managed to apprehend three of the suspects, but one individual evaded capture, prompting an extensive manhunt.
The Noble Police Department later confirmed that the suspect’s attempted escape led to lockdowns at multiple Noble Public Schools campuses as a precautionary measure.
Lt. Foster stated that the fourth suspect was last seen wearing a ski mask, and authorities initially believed he was armed. During the search, however, ammunition was discovered along the suspect’s fleeing route, leading law enforcement to suspect that he was no longer in possession of a firearm.
“We do know who this person is based on the three people in the vehicle. Norman PD had contact with him earlier yesterday, so they are familiar with his identity and appearance,” Foster explained.
As law enforcement continued to track the suspect’s movements, officers conducted door-to-door searches in nearby residential areas to ensure public safety.
“The public is safe. However, if you see or hear anything suspicious, please call 911 immediately,” Foster advised.
By 3:30 p.m., law enforcement successfully took the suspect into custody in an area east of Jenkins Avenue and Stinson Street. OHP later confirmed that the individual had active warrants across multiple counties.
Although officers initially broadcasted warnings that the suspect was potentially armed, Foster stated that when taken into custody, he was unarmed. However, authorities could not definitively confirm whether he had been armed at any point during the pursuit.
“He’s a danger to the public, which is why so many resources were deployed for this operation,” Foster emphasized.
The arrest involved a coordinated effort among multiple law enforcement agencies, including:
- Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP)
- Norman Police Department (NPD)
- Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office
“This operation highlights the strength of interagency collaboration, ensuring public safety through the efficient deployment of officers, specialized equipment, and other critical resources,” Foster stated, commending all departments involved.
According to an NPD social media alert, the suspect was described as:
- Light-skinned male
- 5’11”, 165 pounds
- Dark hair
- Last seen wearing all black with white tennis shoes
Although the suspect is now in custody, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any additional information that may assist law enforcement.
While OU Police Department (OUPD) assisted in the response efforts, officials clarified that the situation was handled primarily by external law enforcement agencies. The university’s emergency alert system (RAVE) was activated due to the proximity of the incident to campus, ensuring that students and faculty were informed in real-time.
Further updates will be provided as new details emerge. Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information to contact Norman Police Department or Oklahoma Highway Patrol immediately.
Tokio, N.D. – A North Dakota man has been charged with second-degree murder, attempted murder, and offenses in Indian Country following a deadly shooting on the Spirit Lake Reservation last week, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court on Monday, March 10.
Johnnie Jay Gaking is accused of fatally shooting his adult sister, Tiana Lenoir, and her 3-year-old daughter, Lokia, and critically injuring his mother, Kristy Lee, at a residence near Tokio, North Dakota, on March 4.
According to court documents, law enforcement responded to the residence and discovered Lenoir and her young daughter deceased from gunshot wounds.
Kristy Lee was found alive but suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.
She was transported to a hospital for emergency treatment.
A paramedic at the scene reported that Kristy Lee drifted in and out of consciousness and, at one point, stated that her son had shot her, the complaint alleges.
After the shooting, Gaking allegedly fled the scene and later arrived at another home near Tokio, where he reportedly stabbed himself multiple times before fleeing again in a blue Ford Focus.
Residents at the second home told Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) agents that Gaking appeared disoriented and displayed what they described as “crazy eyes.”
According to the complaint, Gaking told them, “[My sister] is dead, they’re all dead, I didn’t do it.” The residents observed fresh blood on his chest and abdomen and suspected he had inflicted stab wounds on himself.
Law enforcement apprehended Gaking shortly after the incident, and he was transported to a hospital for treatment.
During an interview with authorities, Gaking allegedly claimed that men in ski masks had been stalking him and that they had forced him to kill his family.
He also denied stabbing himself, stating that he did not know who was responsible since they were wearing ski masks, according to the complaint.
A family member who lived with the victims told investigators that Gaking had been behaving erratically before the shooting.
The relative stated that Gaking had been talking about being chased by men in ski masks, had not been sleeping, and appeared to be “tripping.”
Earlier in the day, he had an outburst and allegedly threatened, “If my family doesn’t believe me that people are trying to kill me, then I’ll kill all of you (expletive) first,” the complaint says.
The same family member also reported seeing Gaking waving a gun before hearing gunshots.
He recalled Gaking allegedly saying, “You’re next, uncle,” before fleeing for his life.
Gaking remains in custody, and a hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday in Grand Forks.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.