Custody Dispute Leads To 5-Hour Standoff, Tulsa Police Say

An attempted break-in at a Tulsa apartment led to a standoff for almost five hours.

Tulsa Police says around 2:30 Sunday morning, 26-year-old Marqese Payne, attempted to break into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment at the Sierra Pointe complex but was unsuccessful. According to reports, it started with a fight over custody of children.

"Police were at my window, so you know it was just kind of horrific, it was a nightmare," neighbor Larry Davis said.

Officer Demita Kinard with Tulsa Police said when Payne was unable to get into his girlfriend's apartment, he broke into a neighboring apartment and tried breaking through the adjoining wall.

According to police, everyone safely made it out of the apartments and Payne barricaded himself inside.

Police said Payne set a mattress on fire and smoke was seen coming from inside. Tulsa Fire is working to make sure the unit is safe and the fire is out.

Reports say the woman said she heard a gunshot, and a gun was found inside the apartment.

Police said Payne was taken into custody after he jumped out of the back window of the apartment.

He was arrested on complaints of arson, burglary and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

"You've got to think about your neighbors and your well being at that time, you know what I mean?" Davis said. "Just to apprehend the suspect and get the innocent civilians, you know what I mean? That's exactly what the police did; it was terrific."