OKC Police To Increase Security For Thunder Playoff Game

Up to 18 officers are routinely on duty from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. on the weekends and additional officers are in place for events expecting to draw a big crowd like Thunder Playoff games.

Monday, April 21st 2014, 5:44 pm

By: News 9


Bricktown rape suspect is jailed on $25,500 bond.

During a video arraignment, Juan Beltran heard he was being held for attempted first degree rape and assault and battery. Oklahoma City Police say he snatched the woman leaving a nightclub early Saturday.

The victim told police her attacker ripped off her skirt and punched her several times before a witness heard her cries and came to her aid.

"I started yelling "rape, this guy just raped a girl," Ryan Farris said.

4/20/2014 Related Story: Man Chases Rape Suspect In Downtown OKC

Farris said he chased after the alleged attacker until he lost sight of him. In addition to Farris' quick thinking, Bricktown Police Captain Brian Williford feels the extra officers assigned to the Bricktown area on Friday and Saturday nights led to a quick arrest.

"There was an officer very close that was flagged and we were able to take him into custody within minutes of the crime," said Cpt. Williford.

According to crime statistics provided by the Oklahoma City Police Department, two rape reports – including the latest incident were filed in the last year. Twenty assaults and a few robbery reports were also taken in Bricktown during that time.

"We have the highest concentration of officers for that small area of anywhere in the city," Cpt. Williford said.

Cpt. Williford said patrons should feel safe in Bricktown. Up to 18 officers are routinely on duty from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. on the weekends. He said it's also typical to have additional officers in place for events expecting to draw a big crowd – definitely Thunder Playoff games.

"We do bring in extra officers from our emergency response team and gang unit that will be placed strategically at locations around the arena, Thunder Alley and lower Bricktown," said Cpt. Williford.

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