Robbery Suspect Takes Guest Hostage At Tulsa Motel

A man running from Tulsa Police took a motel guest hostage early Wednesday but was arrested with the help of a K9 officer.

Police say it started at about 12:30 a.m. as officers responded to a robbery call at the Motel 8 at 32nd and Memorial.

An officer stopped a car driven by James Darnell near 27th and Memorial. As officers attempted to get Darnell out of the car, he ran to a Days Inn motel in the 8100 block of East Skelly Drive.

Police say Darnell broke into a 3rd-floor room and forced the guest up on the roof. After Darnell went back into the guest's room, police used a K9 officer to arrest him.

Officers say they recovered a Taser and money from the Motel 8 robbery.

EMSA took James Darnell to the hospital to be treated for a dog bite.

Police say after Darnell is released from the hospital, he'll be booked into the Tulsa County jail on complaints of robbery, first degree burglary and kidnapping. They say Darnell also had several outstanding felony warrants.

Police say the guest was not injured.