PONCA CITY-
A dramatic and tense situation came to an end when law enforcement authorities successfully apprehended 30-year-old fugitive Jalen Anthony Michael Kemble. The capture took place after a nerve-wracking 90-minute standoff on Oklahoma Avenue between Oak and Elm Streets.
The manhunt for Kemble began over the weekend. He had a domestic warrant issued in Kay County District Court in June. He was also suspected of involvement in a reported rape and kidnapping incident this past Saturday night. On Monday, a house fire was reported in the 900 block of Maple at 3:32 a.m. Firefighters discovered a body inside the home and foul play is suspected. The State Fire Marshal and Medical Examiner were promptly notified to investigate the incident further.
In a bid to locate Kemble, law enforcement personnel carried out an intensive search at the Tonkawa Tribal Facilities in the Fort Oakland area, forcing the closure of tribal operations for the day. Over the weekend, reports of Kemble firing a gun prompted deputies to respond to the area.
During their efforts to apprehend the fugitive, seven homeowners in the vicinity granted permission for their houses to be searched.
A breakthrough came around 1 p.m. when police, deputies, District 8 Task Force, and BIA officers responded to a tip indicating that Kemble was hiding in an apartment on west Oklahoma Avenue between Oak and Elm. Following a tense standoff, authorities successfully arrested Kemble without any further incidents.
Aside from the domestic warrant, law enforcement officials also suspect Kemble’s involvement in at least two car thefts. However, the Ponca City Police Department clarified that he has not been named as a suspect in the homicide case reported on Maple Ave. Additional interviews are needed before considering him a suspect in the case.
If you have any additional information on any of these cases, contact the Ponca City Police Department at 580-767-0370 or you can contact Crime Stoppers at 580-762-5100.
