Betrayal at the Casino: Tulsa Men Arrested Following Targeted Armed Robbery
A night of celebration turned into a terrifying ordeal for a local man, leading to the arrest of two suspects following a calculated scheme to rob a casino winner. Tulsa Police have apprehended both individuals involved in what investigators are calling a planned armed robbery.
The Setup
The incident began on June 25, when a victim—who had just experienced a streak of luck at a local casino—shared the news with someone he believed to be a friend: 21-year-old Dwayne Hastings.
According to police reports, Hastings invited the victim to meet at a Maverik gas station near East 41st Street and South Sheridan Road. Shortly after they met, Hastings claimed he needed to step away to a nearby apartment. Moments after Hastings vanished, a masked man armed with a gun confronted the victim, stealing his cash, cellphone, wallet, and medication. The victim reported that he did not see or hear from Hastings again following the attack.
The Investigation
Tulsa Police launched a thorough investigation, utilizing security footage that captured the masked gunman—identified as 33-year-old Mandell Kent—allegedly holding the victim’s stolen phone.
Kent was arrested on June 30. During questioning, he admitted to detectives that Hastings had orchestrated the setup. A subsequent search warrant at Kent’s apartment uncovered two firearms, leading to additional charges for Kent, who is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing weapons.
The Arrests
Following the lead on Hastings, Tulsa Police and the Mingo Valley Street Crimes Unit tracked him to a home in Broken Arrow.
Police observed Hastings attempting to hand off a bag to a vehicle before retreating into the home. Broken Arrow Police intercepted that vehicle, discovering three loaded handguns and ammunition inside. Following a brief standoff where detectives contacted Hastings by phone, he surrendered peacefully. Investigators later executed a search warrant at the residence, where they recovered Hastings’ cellphone, which had been intentionally smashed.
Faces of the Charges
Both suspects are now behind bars facing significant legal consequences:
| Suspect | Charges Filed |
| Dwayne Hastings | Conjoint robbery, possession of a firearm after former felony conviction, destroying evidence, obstructing an officer |
| Mandell Kent | Conjoint robbery, possession of a firearm after former felony conviction |
This case serves as a somber reminder to exercise caution, even when sharing personal success with those you believe are friends. The Tulsa Police Department continues to work diligently to hold those who prey on others accountable.
Source: Tulsa Police Department
