Cape police arrest robbery suspect

Police arrested one of two men accused of tying up a Cape Girardeau couple and robbing them of more than $1,000 in cash and electronics.

The victims say the men forced their way into the apartment at 1408 Lexington Ave. around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

"When I opened the door, I got a gun in my face," said Joshua Kelly, one of the victims. Kelly and his wife, Heather, were just getting ready to go to bed when the two men barged in their home, demanding money.

Tuesday morning, police arrested Dameon W. Oakley, 23, of 119 N. Henderson Ave., in the 1300 block of North West End Boulevard, police spokesman Jason Selzer said.

An arrest warrant issued Sunday charged Oakley with felony first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery and armed criminal action. Bond was set at $100,000 cash only.

He and an unidentified man are accused of tying up and gagging the couple who lived in the apartment, according to a probable-cause statement.

Oakley, who the victims say was armed with a handgun, demanded the couple give them money. He reportedly took $575 from a night stand and $475 from Joshua Kelly, the statement read.

The men are also accused of stealing DVDs, a Sony PlayStation 2 worth about $200, and keys to the couple's home and vehicle, the probable-cause statement read.

During the robbery, Oakley threatened to shoot the couple on several occasions, according to the statement. They were not harmed.

Selzer said that Oakley knew the victims and that they had money. Joshua Kelly said he knew Oakley in passing. He identified him through his nickname "Droopy" and picked him out of a photo lineup.

"There is no mistaking those teardrop tattoos under his eyes," Kelly told police. During the robbery Oakley and his unidentified accomplice were not wearing masks, Selzer said.

An anonymous tip lead police to a vacant home on West End Boulevard where Oakley was taken into custody around 10:20 a.m. Tuesday, Selzer said.

No weapons or cash were found.

Oakley has a history of felony convictions, including escape from custody and stealing. In February, he was sentenced to six months in the county jail for robbing a man at gunpoint in Cape Girardeau.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127