Tulsa Police officers arrest one of their own. 37-year-old officer Marvin Blades, Junior was taken into custody early this morning on a second degree robbery complaint. Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan made the announcement in a rare Saturday news conference.
The Chief says Blades was targeting Hispanics and pulling them over for traffic stops while on duty. The
Chief says Blades would then order the driver to leave his wallet in the front seat and step to the back of the auto. While the driver was away from the car, Blades would remove money from the wallet, according to Police.
Chief Jordan says an undercover agent from the State Narcotics Bureau was brought in and an undercover sting was carried out last night. Blades stopped the OBN Agent near Apache and North Lewis and removed $600-from the agent’s wallet, according to the official report. Those dollars were later found in Blades pocket. The serial numbers matched those take from the agent’s billfold.
Blades is on suspension, with pay, while the District Attorney’s office reviews the case. Blades is assigned to the Police Department’s Gilcrease Patrol Division.
Chief Jordan says there have been several reports of this happening in recent months. He says rogue cops will not be tolerated in the Tulsa Police Department. He was gratified that tips which lead to the arrest came from fellow officers.
He asked anyone who has been a victim, and maybe fearful to come forward because of their immigration status, to now come forward.