OKC Police Arrest Former Cattlemen's Employee, Another Man In Deputy's Shooting

Gan Matthews, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City police say they've caught two men they believe shot and robbed an Oklahoma County deputy over the weekend.

Maj. John Waldenville was ambushed Saturday, May 21, as he left Cattlemen's Steakhouse. Maj. Waldenville, who worked as a security officer at the restaurant, was carrying money from the restaurant to deposit at a bank.

According to court documents, two men who'd been seen loitering in the area for 30 minutes ran up behind Waldenville and pulled out a gun.

"That was when he was confronted by two suspects, at least one of them armed," said Oklahoma City Police MSgt. Gary Knight. "At that point he was shot by one of them, and they fled the scene."

Maj. Waldenville lost an eye in the shooting and is currently listed in critical condition.

Police arrested the first suspect, 18-year-old Keonta Prince, on Sunday. Prince is a former Cattlemen's employee. Officers arrested 29-year-old Christopher Baker just a few hours later. He has a criminal record and has been in prison for burglary.

Maj. Waldenville's colleagues and friends call him a dedicated deputy and an honorable man.

"I tell you, he's one of the best. You won't find a man with higher morals and character than John Waldenville," Oklahoma County Reserve Deputy Sam Chestnut said.

Police say they are still searching for the gun used in the shooting. So far, searches of the both the suspects' homes have not turned up the weapon.

More:

• Police Arrest Suspect In Shooting Of Oklahoma County Deputy
• Second Suspect In Deputy Shooting Taken Into Custody
• Injured Deputy's Family Finds Strength, Support