Manhunt Continues in Noble for Attempted Robbery Suspect

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

NOBLE, Oklahoma -- A manhunt is underway in Cleveland County for a would-be robber.

Authorities are now worried about more than what the man could steal. A Cleveland County manhunt that began Thursday continued into Friday. Authorities say it all began with an attempted break-in at a house along a stretch of State Highway 39 near Lexington. The object of the manhunt is 30-year-old Donald Standridge, who works as a security guard.

Authorities say Thursday afternoon Standridge, clad all in black, came to the front door of a home and demanded to be let in. The woman who lives at the home recognized him from church and refused to admit him. She called 911.

"She was extremely frightened by the incident," said Rhett Burnett, Cleveland County Undersheriff. "She was frightened by the apparent attempt, intent, on his part to enter the residence and was very scared."

After Standridge fled the scene, officers searched his house near Noble. He wasn't there, but officers found his employment id badge and other personal identification items in the trash can.

"Particularly this time of year people are depressed, people are having a hard time, people are having problems, may take drastic measures in regards to ending their life and sometimes they'll leave things behind, discard items they know they won't need anymore, and that causes grave concern and perhaps that was some of his intent," Burnett said.

Authorities say Standridge was spotted on Campus Corner in Norman at about 10 p.m. Thursday. They hope someone who saw him knows where he currently is. For now, though, Donald Standridge's whereabouts are unknown, and his motive remains a mystery.

Donald Standridge now faces charged of a misdemeanor count of entering a building with unlawful intent.

If you know where he is, call the Cleveland County Sheriff at 321-8600.