Tulsa Police arrested two suspects, Melissa Ray and Benjamin Frew, for attempting to steal over $160,000 worth of furniture and equipment from the closed Promenade Mall. The two were caught after breaking into the mall through a boarded-up door, where they were seen loading stolen items, including high-value movie theater lenses, into a truck.
Details of the Incident
The suspects were apprehended late Sunday night when officers, who had been conducting increased patrols around the abandoned mall, noticed a suspicious truck parked outside. Tulsa Police Captain Richard Meulenberg explained that the officers were on heightened alert due to a history of break-ins at the mall.
“We drive around seeing if there is anything suspicious. Well, their truck sitting outside was kind of suspicious,” Captain Meulenberg said.
Upon investigating, police discovered that Ray and Frew had stolen several high-ticket items, including a bookshelf, a desk, and several movie theater projector lenses, each valued at several thousand dollars. The suspects were reportedly planning to sell the stolen goods, and Ray later admitted that they intended to take even more items if they had not been caught.
Connection to Recent Arrests
Interestingly, one of the suspects mentioned that they had seen a Tulsa Police Facebook post about a previous break-in at the same mall, where two other individuals were arrested for using a power saw to cut copper pipes. The post detailed the March 25 arrest, and the suspects claimed they were inspired by this incident to break into the mall.
“I don’t understand the logic thought when you see a post from us that we arrested people breaking into Promenade Mall and decide that’s probably a good idea,” Captain Meulenberg said in disbelief.
Ongoing Issues at Promenade Mall
The Promenade Mall, which has been closed for some time, has become a hotspot for break-ins and illegal activity. Police have noted an ongoing problem with individuals breaking into the abandoned structure to steal anything they can or to squat.
Captain Meulenberg stated, “There’s wood covering the doors, but people continue to break in there to take anything they want or to just squat sometimes. So, it has been a problem.”
Charges and Bonding Out
Both Melissa Ray and Benjamin Frew were arrested and charged with burglary and conspiracy to commit a felony. Despite the serious nature of the crime, both suspects have since bonded out of jail.
Increased Police Patrols and Prevention
Tulsa Police are continuing to increase patrols around the abandoned mall in an effort to deter further break-ins and prevent further theft. The situation at the Promenade Mall highlights the growing challenges police face in securing abandoned properties and preventing theft in such areas.
Ongoing Challenges and the Pursuit of Justice
While two suspects have been arrested, the issue of break-ins at abandoned locations like the Promenade Mall remains a concern. Tulsa Police continue to monitor the area, and the public is urged to report any suspicious activity to help prevent further crimes.
Summary Table
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspects | Melissa Ray and Benjamin Frew |
| Charges | Burglary, Conspiracy to Commit a Felony |
| Stolen Items | Furniture, movie theater projector lenses, bookshelf, desk |
| Incident Date | Sunday night (date unspecified) |
| Mall Location | Promenade Mall, Tulsa, OK |
| Previous Arrest Mentioned | March 25: Two arrests for cutting copper pipes |
| Police Actions | Increased patrols, suspects arrested during investigation |
| Suspects’ Statements | Planned to steal more and sell the items |
| Outcome | Both suspects bonded out of jail |
