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Three Arrested After Armed Robbery Suspect Barricades in Midwest City Home

Police end hours-long standoff in residential neighborhood, arresting suspect and two others on obstruction and harboring charges.

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Three Arrested After Armed Robbery Suspect Barricades in Midwest City Home
Police end hours-long standoff in residential neighborhood, arresting suspect and two others on obstruction and harborinCredit · KFOR.com

Key facts

  • Jessey Hicks, 39, was wanted on a felony warrant for armed robbery.
  • Hicks barricaded himself in a home on the 300 block of E. Key Blvd in Midwest City.
  • Police arrested Hicks, John Wood (41), and Sara Wester (38).
  • Hicks faces charges of armed robbery and obstruction.
  • John Wood was arrested on a complaint of obstruction.
  • Sara Wester was arrested on a complaint of harboring a fugitive.
  • The standoff began around 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday.
  • Police were unsure if the suspect was armed during the standoff.

Standoff Ends With Three in Custody

A tense standoff in a Midwest City neighborhood concluded Wednesday afternoon with the arrest of three individuals, including a suspect wanted for armed robbery. Police had surrounded a home in the 300 block of E. Key Blvd after the suspect refused to surrender. The situation began around 2:40 p.m. when officers from the Midwest City Police Department spotted Jessey Hicks, 39, who had an outstanding felony warrant for armed robbery. Hicks entered the residence and barricaded himself inside, prompting a police response that included attempts to negotiate his surrender.

The Arrests and Charges

After the standoff, police arrested Hicks along with two other occupants of the home: John Wood, 41, and Sara Wester, 38. Hicks now faces charges of armed robbery and obstruction, while Wood was arrested on a complaint of obstruction. Wester was taken into custody on a complaint of harboring a fugitive. The charges reflect the roles each individual played during the incident. Hicks' original warrant stemmed from an armed robbery, and his refusal to comply with police added the obstruction charge. Wood's obstruction charge suggests he may have interfered with police operations, while Wester is accused of providing shelter to a wanted fugitive.

Police Response and Public Safety

Throughout the standoff, officers worked to ensure the safety of the surrounding neighborhood, located near SE 15th St and S Midwest Blvd. Police stated they did not know whether the suspect was armed, adding an element of uncertainty to the operation. The department did not disclose details of the negotiation tactics used, but the peaceful resolution without injuries indicates a controlled outcome. The area was secured as police took the three individuals into custody.

Background on the Suspect and Warrant

Jessey Hicks was the primary target of the police operation, with a felony warrant for armed robbery. The warrant had been issued prior to Wednesday's events, though the specific details of the underlying robbery have not been released. The arrest of Hicks on the original warrant, plus the additional charges for Wood and Wester, underscores the legal consequences for those who assist or harbor wanted individuals. The case highlights the risks law enforcement faces when serving warrants on potentially dangerous suspects.

What Comes Next

All three individuals are now in custody, and the investigation continues. The Midwest City Police Department has not announced whether further charges will be filed or if additional suspects are sought. Court proceedings will determine the legal outcomes for Hicks, Wood, and Wester. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in serving warrants and the potential for escalation when suspects choose to resist.

The bottom line

  • Jessey Hicks was arrested on armed robbery and obstruction charges after a standoff.
  • John Wood and Sara Wester were arrested for obstruction and harboring a fugitive, respectively.
  • The standoff occurred in a residential area near SE 15th St and S Midwest Blvd.
  • Police were uncertain if Hicks was armed during the barricade.
  • The incident resolved without injuries or use of force.
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