Investigation Continues In OKC After-School Center Burglary Case

Jamie Oberg, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Two men caught on cameras stealing from a metro mentoring/after-school center in Northwest Oklahoma City are still on the loose.

It's a story we first brought you Saturday. Oklahoma City Police were called Saturday after they say two men broke into the I-CAN after-school center.

10/15/2011 Related Story: Two Men Caught On Cameras Stealing From OKC Child Care Center

Dozens of kids coming back to the I-CAN Intervention Child Advocacy Network after school on Monday were sad, to say the least. They hope someone can recognize and turn in the two men who stole from them.

The kids are proving the I-CAN mentoring program works with help of donations and help coming in the door.

When we came to the center Monday, it didn't take long for the kids to start stomping their feet. But they were singing this message.

"I know I can, I know I can be what I want to be, If I work hard, I'll be where I want to be."

The girls in the I-CAN dance studio Monday afternoon showed us they can get by without fancy equipment and music, but because of the two men who broke in Friday night and stole from the center, they have to.

Reverend Milton Hopkins puts on a smile in front of the kids, but he's praying police or someone can help.

"That's one of our prayers, that Oklahoma City if you know these guys, seen them report it to police we want them off the streets," Reverend Hopkins said.

The I-CAN center has positive mentoring programs for about 70 kids in Oklahoma City, so they don't turn to the streets or stealing. But they can't support the programs alone.

"We're given things so we can help out," said Tobin Jackson, Quail Springs Baptist Youth Minister.

"Oh my gosh, it's such a blessing," Reverend Hopkins said after so many community members have showed up to help.

Metro churches heard what happened and are stepping up to make sure the kids can succeed.

"This [I-CAN] needs to thrive; they need to continue to do their thing," Jackson said.

While these little ones are doing their thing, and going without, police say these guys are still out there.

"Hmm, pray for that boy, those men…it's just wrong," Jackson said when we asked him what he thought of the thieves.

They hope someone will do the right things for these kids at I-CAN.

Next Saturday, October 22, I-CAN is having a pancake breakfast to raise money for their kids programs from 8 a.m. to noon.

If you'd like to help out with donations, just call Reverend Hopkins at (405)-881-9030 or visit the I-CAN website.

If you have any information about this burglary or recognize those suspects call Oklahoma City Crime Stoppers (405)-235-7300.