Tulsa Police Arrest Two Men for Attempted Copper Theft
Authorities apprehended the two suspects following a late-night burglary report at an industrial facility.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Property Crime
Tulsa police arrested 59-year-old Robert Henderson and 56-year-old James Davis after responding to a burglary call. A third unidentified suspect managed to escape the scene.
Why it matters
Property crimes involving metal theft can lead to significant damage at commercial locations and present ongoing safety challenges for local business owners.
Robert Henderson and James Davis were taken into custody following the incident. James Davis required medical clearance before his booking into jail after police deployed a Taser.
The players
Tulsa Police
The local municipal law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling the city and investigating criminal incidents.
Robert Henderson
A 59-year-old man who was discovered inside the building by responding officers.
James Davis
A 56-year-old man who was apprehended outside the facility after an officer utilized a Taser.
The details
Officers arrived at an industrial building near Apache Street and North Sheridan Road after hearing noises inside. Police found Robert Henderson attempting to dismantle a light fixture and later pursued James Davis outside the building.
Timeline
Police responded to the burglary call at 11 p.m. on Oct. 15.
Legal Context
This incident aligns with broader trends in commercial property crime where industrial sites become targets for copper extraction. Such thefts often lead to increased surveillance and police presence in industrial districts to deter repeat offenses.
Business owners in the vicinity of North Sheridan Road may see increased police patrols in the wake of this attempted theft. Residents are advised to report suspicious activity or noise near industrial facilities to the authorities.
The takeaway
Copper theft remains a persistent issue for industrial property owners, necessitating robust security measures. Business operators should consider installing motion-activated lighting or alarms to alert authorities to unauthorized entry.
Further reading
For more information on recent local trends, visit the Tulsa Property Crime section.
