Verdigris Police Capture Escaped Suspect After 12-Hour Manhunt

A 12-hour manhunt in Verdigris ended when police were able to find Robert Friend near Highway 66, not far from where he escaped and still wearing handcuffs.

Related Story: Verdigris Police Arrest Hit-And-Run Suspect After Overnight Search

Assistant Chief Darrin Hester said they're glad Friend is off the street because he has an extensive criminal history, including assault, drugs, and even threats against law enforcement.

He said Friend was involved in a hit and run, and assault Tuesday afternoon. They got a tip Friend was at a local gas station pumping gas, so officers went there.

"The Chief responded to Casey’s which he attempted to make contact with the driver,” Hester said.

Police said they found drugs and dozens of car keys in Friend's vehicle, so he was cuffed and put inside a police car.

"Mr. Friend slipped his cuffs to the front,” Hester said.

Friend escaped into the area behind the gas station and that started the manhunt.

"We set up a perimeter in the Vintage area around a housing addition, the school, and Franklin road,” Hester said.

Hester said they captured Friend this morning near the elementary school.

A new list of charges will be added to Friend's record. He has a current felony case pending against him in Tulsa County and was just released from prison 11 months ago.