Tulsa Police: Child's 911 Call Helps Save Mom From Deadly Situation

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The man accused of hiding out in a Tulsa house for 13 hours and threatening his ex-girlfriend with a loaded gun is charged with five felonies.

Allen Shields, 33, is out of jail right now, but the District Attorney is trying to get that changed.

Shields was booked into the Tulsa County jail on complaints including two complaints of kidnapping and one complaint of first degree burglary. Shields was released from jail Tuesday morning by posting $9,000 bail. Now, a judge has raised his bond to more than a million dollars and there's a warrant out for his arrest.

Police say they couldn't have done their job if it wasn't for the bravery of a nine-year-old girl, hiding inside her North Tulsa home Monday night.

"Calm under pressure and her ability to relate the pertinent facts to us and give us the information that we needed was the difference in this case. All of the accolades should go to this very, very smart young lady," said Sgt. Brian Hill, Tulsa Police.

Police say Allen Shields broke into his ex-girlfriend's house as early as 6 a.m., hiding in the laundry room.

"He probably laid in wait for over 12 hours, waiting for her to get home," said Sgt. Hill.

Last February, the victim filed an emergency protective order against Shields, with the help of Domestic Violence Intervention Services, or DVIS. She reported Shields choked her around her neck. Records show the protective order was dismissed a month later because she failed to appear in court. 

When the victim came home Monday night with her nine-year-old, police say Shields attacked her with pepper spray and pulled out a loaded gun. The nine-year-old ran into a bathroom and called 911.

"This child did a remarkable job in terms of keeping herself safe, and really doing what she needed to do to protect her mom, as well," said Missy Iski, Director of Counseling.

DVIS says that's what they advocate in their own Child Safety Plans. Counselors say getting a protective order is only the first step in getting help.

"There are things that a protective order can do, but there are things that an individual can do to take care of themselves," said Missy Iski.

Records show Shields brought a bag to the victim's home that included handcuffs, narcotics and a mask. It's not the first time police have been called to the house.

"There is a history of domestic violence. There have been numerous calls this residence," said Sgt. Hill.

Iski says there's hope for any woman who feels unsafe or trapped.

"Help is really always available. People do not have to live a life of fear," said Missy Iski.

And this isn't the first time someone has filed a protective order against Allen Shields.

On The News On 6 at 9:00 and 10:00, learn how he might be connected to a Tulsa mom who has been missing for more than two years.

DVIS's 24-hour number: (918)743-5763.