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.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.