Elk City, OK — Two Elk City residents have been charged in Beckham County District Court following an investigation into an alleged kidnapping and attempted armed robbery at an Elk City apartment building June 7.
According to court records, 67-year-old Kelli Doreen Sheperd of Elk City and 49-year-old Michael Joseph Knisley of Elk City were arrested after Elk City police investigated a report that a man was allegedly held against his will and threatened with a firearm and baseball bat inside an apartment located inthe 400 block of N. Jefferson Ave.
Knisley has been charged with:
Kidnapping (B2)
Attempted Robbery With a Weapon (A2)
Plan/Attempt/Conspire to Perform Act of Violence (B4)
Sheperd has been charged with:
Kidnapping (B2)
Attempted Robbery With a Weapon (A2)
Plan/Attempt/Conspire to Perform Act of Violence (B4)
Possession of Firearm After Former Felony Conviction (B4)
Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony (B4)
Distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substance, Including Possession With Intent to Distribute (Marijuana)
Distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substance, Including Possession With Intent to Distribute (Methamphetamine)
Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Elk City Police, officers initially responded to a 911 call shortly before 11 a.m. June 7. The caller reported that he had been locked inside a residence, threatened with a handgun and baseball bat, and prevented from leaving.
Investigators reported the man told officers he had gone to the apartment after being invited inside. The man alleged that after entering, Sheperd became upset, Knisley entered the room with a baseball bat, and the door was locked. The man told police he was asked whether he had money, was threatened with a handgun, and was not allowed to leave. He further alleged Sheperd instructed Knisley to strike him with the bat.
Police said Sheperd gave a different account, alleging the man had previously attempted to assault her and had come to the residence uninvited. Officers noted that Sheperd declined consent to search the apartment and initially denied possessing a firearm.
Investigators later obtained and executed a search warrant at the apartment. During the search, officers reported locating a .22-caliber revolver, ammunition, a baseball bat, suspected methamphetamine, suspected marijuana, scales, packaging materials, smoking devices, and other drug-related items. Field tests reportedly returned presumptive positive results for methamphetamine and marijuana.
The affidavit states investigators also found handwritten notes they believed were consistent with drug distribution activity.
Police records cited in the affidavit indicate Sheperd has previous felony convictions, including offenses involving controlled substances, firearms, and drug paraphernalia. Investigators noted that as a convicted felon, Sheperd was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Following the search, Sheperd was arrested at the residence. Officers later located and arrested Knisley nearby.
As of Monday, both defendants face formal charges in Beckham County District Court. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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