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August 8, 2012

Muskogee man charged with attacking teen

Suspect’s ex-wife reportedly shielded victim

By Dylan Goforth Phoenix Staff Writer

— A Muskogee man was charged Tuesday with allegedly attacking an area teenager.

Thomas Russell McKinney Jr., 30, was charged with:

• Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

• First-degree burglary.

• Interference with an emergency phone call.

• Violating a protective order.

Muskogee Police Lt. Bobby Lee said McKinney reportedly entered an apartment at 802 W. Okmulgee Ave. and attacked a 19-year-old male inside.

“(Lorene Pepiakitah) said she woke up and her ex-husband (McKinney) was inside the apartment,” Lee said. “She said McKinney assaulted her and her friend who was inside the apartment.”

Lee said officers recovered a set of brass knuckles allegedly used by McKinney. Court documents state McKinney struck Cody Combs, 19, with the brass knuckles.

“(Lorene) claims she attempted to call 911, but (McKinney) took the phone from her,” Lee said.

McKinney was arrested when he arrived at the Muskogee police station just after 2:20 a.m., about 20 minutes after police arrived at Pepiakitah’s apartment.

Combs’ father, Robert Combs, said his son was hospitalized after the attack but came home Monday night.

“He’s doing good,” the father said. “He’s still sleeping, still groggy, but he’s doing better.”

He said his son remembers only sitting on Pepiakitah’s couch, watching television.

“Then he remembers waking up in the hospital.”

Robert Combs called Pepiakitah a brave woman.

“She could have run away, but she dove on top of my son after he started getting attacked,” he said. “If she hadn’t done that, he might not be breathing right now. I commend her 100 percent.”

McKinney is in the Muskogee County/City Detention Facility on $25,000 bond. He has a sounding docket set for 9 a.m. Aug. 22 to set a date for his preliminary hearing.

Reach Dylan Goforth at (918) 684-2903 or dgoforth@muskogeephoenix.com.

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