Tulsa, OK – The Tulsa Police Department announced the arrest of an 18-year-old suspect in connection with a strong-arm robbery at a Tulsa vape shop earlier this month.
According to investigators, officers responded shortly after 8 p.m. on May 11 to a robbery at the Smoke and Vape Shop located on East 21st Street. Police said the suspect went behind the counter, repeatedly pushed an employee to the ground, and stole approximately $1,200 worth of vape products before fleeing on foot.
Detectives with the department’s Robbery Unit later reviewed exterior surveillance footage from a nearby business, which allegedly showed the suspect running from the scene and entering an apartment at the Worthington Apartments complex on 117th East Avenue. Investigators said the suspect removed a ski mask near the apartment entrance, allowing detectives to obtain a clear image of his face.
On May 21, detectives conducting surveillance located the suspect, identified as Dontayvious Friday, 18. Officials said patrol officers attempted to stop him, but he allegedly ignored commands and tried to flee before being taken into custody.
Authorities also executed a search warrant at the apartment and reported recovering empty vape boxes matching the stolen products. Police said Friday was also found in possession of vape devices and a black ski mask believed to have been used during the robbery.
Friday was booked into the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center on a complaint of second-degree robbery. Police noted that the arrest does not constitute a conviction, and the investigation remains ongoing.