Suspects Searching for Dead Man Attempt to Rob Business

By Charles Bassett, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City police arrested three men after they attempted to rob multiple businesses after looking for a man who used to work at one but had recently died.

Police said Jonathan White, Korey Kruta and Dominic Cook were behind a foiled armed robbery attempt and kidnapping at an automotive business Monday night.

“The officers were told this might be some type of home invasion due to the fact that there was a residence inside of this business,” said Oklahoma City Police Sgt. Jennifer Wardlow.

The incident happened at an automotive business on N. Rockwell Avenue. One of the victims, who did not want to be identified, said one suspect first approached him looking for a man who had recently died.

“He said he was looking for Fletch and I asked him to leave because Fletch is no longer with us, and he mumbled something and walked off. And when I approached that area, they stood up with a gun and it was within six inches to 12 inches from my stomach,” said the victim.

The victim said the suspects asked for his wallet. He managed to runaway to his business and call police.

While that was happening, the men broke into another business, roughed up two women and a man inside and tied them up.

“All four of us are okay. One was hit with a pipe, she's doing okay today…she's doing okay. The other two are doing good,” the victim said.

When police arrived, they say the suspects had untied the victims to make it appear as if nothing had happened.

As for why this area was targeted, police don't know.

Police say a suspicious device was also found after they searched the business. The bomb squad was called and determined it was not an explosive.

The men are jailed on a number of charges including kidnapping for extortion robbery and possession of a firearm while committing a felony.