NEWPORT, Ore. — A 20-year-old Independence man was arrested Tuesday after Newport police say he robbed an acquaintance at gunpoint inside a Newport hotel before fleeing south on Highway 101.
According to the Newport Police Department, officers responded at approximately 11:20 a.m. on July 14 to the Days Inn, located at 544 S.W. Coast Highway, following a report of an armed robbery.
The victim told officers they had been robbed by a known associate, identified as Christopher Michael Lekoff, 20, of Independence.
Investigators determined the victim and Lekoff had known each other for several years and had shared a room at the hotel the previous night. Police said that while the victim was showering on Tuesday morning, Lekoff packed his belongings. When the victim exited the bathroom, Lekoff allegedly demanded the victim’s purse, knowing it contained a large amount of cash.
When the victim refused to hand over the purse, police said Lekoff displayed a handgun and continued demanding the property. Fearing for their safety, the victim surrendered the purse.
Authorities said Lekoff fled the hotel with the purse and cash before driving south on Highway 101. Newport police immediately notified surrounding law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for his vehicle.
A short time later, officers with the Florence Police Department located Lekoff and conducted a high-risk traffic stop, taking him into custody without incident.
While one Newport officer traveled to Florence, another obtained a search warrant for Lekoff’s vehicle. During the search, investigators reportedly recovered a 9mm handgun, the victim’s purse and the stolen cash, all concealed inside the vehicle.
Lekoff was transported to the Lincoln County Jail, where he was lodged on charges of first-degree robbery, first-degree theft and menacing.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Sgt. Leake of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. Tips can also be submitted through the Newport Police Tip Line at 541-574-5455, by text at 541-270-1856, or by email at tipline@newportpolice.net.
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