Drivers Robbed At Intersections

Sitting at a stoplight could make you a sitting duck for a robber.  Tulsa Police are looking for a suspect who hit two different victims at two busy intersections.  The News On 6's Ashli Sims reports there are ways you can protect yourself.

With these warm July nights, you may be tempted to skip the AC and enjoy the breeze.  But, a Tulsa robber is using that as a window of opportunity to strike when you least expect it.

It was a busy intersection and not even dark, but a stoplight gave a criminal the greenlight to try to make a quick buck.

"With this busy of an intersection, it's hard to understand someone having the brass enough to do something like that right out in the open," said Tulsan Wayne Parsons.

Tulsa Police say there were two stoplight hits in less than an hour on Thursday night.

The first victim was waiting on a red light at 51st and Sheridan, when a white Nissan Maxima, with three people inside, pulled up and a man got out.

"Opens the door, says gimme your wallet.  The victim refuses.  The subject punches the victim in the face," said Tulsa Police Officer Leland Ashley.

The suspect didn't get the wallet, but sped off in the white Nissan.

About half an hour later, police say the suspect pulled up behind a second victim, stopped at 34th and Memorial.

"She had locked her door. She saw the individual approaching, which was great. She just was not able to get the window up in time before the individual reached inside," said Tulsa Police Officer Leland Ashley.

Both incidents serve as a lesson to all drivers. Lock your doors. Roll your windows up.  And, keep your eyes open.

"Just be real observant, when you're in traffic.  Ya know, look around. See who's behind you. If you're sitting at a light for any length of time, just look around," said Tulsa Police Officer Leland Ashley.

"It's absolutely tragic that it's come to that, but obviously we're facing desperate times," said Tulsan Wayne Parsons.

The victims describe the robber as a white man, in his early 20s, about six feet tall, 140 pounds with a buzz cut and lots of tattoos on his shoulders and arms.

Anyone with information about these crimes is urged to call Crimestoppers at 596-COPS.