Man Accused Of Carjacking Norman Restaurant Owner Arrested In Kansas

An 18-year-old man was arrested in Kansas, accused of carjacking a Norman restaurant owner. 

Brandon Michael Pultz Jr. was arrested two days following the incident in Osage County, Kansas. 

On April 18 police said Pultz met restaurant owner, Jose Lopez, at his business to look at a car Lopez was selling. 

Lopez owns Volcano’s Mexican Food on West Lindsey Street in Norman. 

While looking at the vehicle, Lopez said Pultz pulled out a semi-automatic handgun. Fearing for his life and his family, Lopez said he gave the suspect the keys. 

“He said he was looking at my family too so that is why I just gave him the key and do whatever you need to do,” said Lopez. 

Pultz, police said, sped off. He was located two days later in Kansas after a citizen called 911 to report his reckless driving. 

The stolen vehicle was found parked. 

Norman police said Kansas authorities didn’t take long to connect the dots. 

“They (Kansas authorities) were able to find through surveillance video at a neighboring business that the individual was wearing the same jacket that he had been described wearing while committing the crime here in Norman,” said Norman police spokeswoman, Sarah Jensen. 

Pultz was arrested and booked in the Osage County jail. A judge set bond at $60,000. 

Lopez has his car back, but the motor has been ruined. Repairs have been estimated at approximately $15,000. 

“It’s hard, especially when you work so hard to make it,” Lopez said. “Find a job or do better in life, you’ve got too many years in the future to be doing this.” 

According to court records, Pultz told Kanas law enforcement he denied using a gun in the carjacking. 

Norman police want to remind the public to use their parking lot as a safe place for exchanges and e-commerce deals.