Tulsa County sees rash of unrelated kidnapping arrests

TULSA, Okla. — Tuesday, Ariel Chance recalled a heavy police presence at her apartment complex near 71st and South Memorial.

She said law enforcement was lined down the street with SWAT gear.

“I thought there was a killer around or something,” she said.

An arrest report said that police were on the phone with a victim who was being held hostage by her partner. The victim told police the suspect assaulted her, threatening to kill her and hurt her in front of their two children.

“It was really scary,” said Chance.

Tulsa police arrested Nicolas Avila for three counts of kidnapping, two counts of assault and batter in front of a child and threatening a violent act.

This arrest is just one of three made for kidnapping that day, and one of four made in the past week in Tulsa County.

The same day, Tulsa Police arrested Jessica Ann Hamilton for kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon. An arrest report said it happened at a hotel near 31st and Memorial, where a room mix-up turned into an armed robbery. The report said Hamilton held the victim against his will and pistol whipped him as he “begged for his life.”

Also the same day, the Tulsa County Sherriff’s Office (TCSO) said they arrested Jace Lee McKittrick for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting his girlfriend.

“We absolutely believe that this possibly saved her life,” Casey Roebuck with TCSO said.

TCSO responded to a call near 61st and North Lewis. They said the caller said their female roommate was being attacked by her boyfriend.

“They go in, they try to stop the attack,” Roebuck said.

But Roebuck said they couldn’t stop him.

“The suspect in this case, grabbed a knife held it to her throat, made some slashing motions, threatened to kill her and anyone in his way,” she explained.

Roebuck said McKittrick forced her into the car with a screwdriver and drove off. Deputies found out that McKittrick would have to check in for his federal parole that night, and caught him at the Turley Residential Center.

They were also able to save the victim.

“We’re very grateful that we were able to save her from the situation and get what seems to be a very dangerous man in custody,” said Roebuck.

While McKittrick was checking in for a federal parole, federal documents show he should still be in prison. The documents show in 2019, a federal judge sentenced McKittrick to five years in prison for gun and drug charges. But three years and three months later, he was back on the streets and back in cuffs.

McKittrick also has multiple felony convictions within the state system. TCSO said he’s affiliated with the United Aryan Brotherhood, a prison gang.

Most of these kidnapping arrests are domestic and Roebuck said it’s very important for all of us to speak up if we see domestic abuse in progress.

“When you witness it, call 911 immediately, because these attacks can be so brutal and so violent, the quicker law enforcement can get there, the better chance we can save that victims life,” she said.

If you or anyone you know are experiencing domestic violence, reach out to DVIS.

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