Kidnapping Suspect Behind Bars After 24-Hour Manhunt In OKC

The man wanted for beating and kidnapping his former girlfriend was captured Friday, March 18, after a 24-hour manhunt.

Police said a K-9 picked up on Mark Stewart's scent at an apartment complex near NW 19th and Meridian.

Bad witness information sent police looking for the wrong man for several hours Thursday night. They found his victim safe, nearly 12 hours after her kidnapping.

“It's a domestic kidnapping is what it is. She's apparently been in a relationship with a guy,” said MSgt. Gary Knight.

Witnesses told investigators they saw a man force his way into Tyler Edens home Thursday afternoon.

Footage from a neighbor's camera across the street showed a man "using his shoulder to break into the house".

One woman reported hearing Edens' screams for help as she was "dragged from her house" then repeatedly hit in the face.

“Initially last night we were given bad information, inaccurate information by witnesses at the scene. There's a variety of reasons witnesses will provide inaccurate information often time they are afraid of retaliation,” said MSgt. Knight.

Several witnesses said Edens appeared to be "unconscious" as the man, now identified by police as Mark Stewart, put her in the back seat of his Toyota.

Police later determined the Toyota was a rental car, one rented by Stewart to go out that night for his wife's birthday.

For nearly 12 hours, police searched for Edens. She was eventually found inside a hotel room near I-40 and Meridian around 4 a.m. Friday morning.

But the hunt for her accused kidnapper continued.

Friday afternoon, police searched the Arbor Glen Apartments for Stewart. Following a short chase, a K-9 officer picked up Stewart’s scent and he was taken into custody.

Stewart is now facing kidnapping, burglary, and assault charges.

3/18/16 Related Story: Police Arrest Kidnapping Suspect In Northwest OKC