Tulsa restaurant robbery ends with arrest after suspect points gun at employee

TULSA, OK (KTUL) — A man was arrested over the weekend after employees caught him stealing from a restaurant in Tulsa.

Officers reportedly responded to an armed robbery at the Albery G location downtown around 11:45 a.m. Saturday.

According to the Tulsa Police Department (TPD), the suspect entered the back office of a restaurant and began stealing cash.

When employees confronted the suspect, a fight broke out and the suspect pulled a gun out of his waistband.

The suspect then allegedly threatened to shoot the employees. In response, employees retreated and the suspect fled.

En route to the scene, officers received a description of the man from dispatch and determined he was attempting to hide by lying down next to an unoccupied person at 200 S. Elgin.

TPD said the suspect reached for his waistband when he saw officers walking toward him.

The suspect followed orders after receiving strict instructions and warnings.

The suspect was arrested without further incident. He was identified as Curtis Eckwood.

Officials said the gun Eckwood had in his possession was a black and silver BB gun.

The BB gun was indistinguishable from a firearm. -TPD

Police also found a large knife as well as $50 in cash and rolled quarters.

The manager of Albert G’s arrived on scene and positively identified the suspect. -TPD

Eckwood was charged with armed robbery.

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