Vian Police use social media to find suspect

Two men have been arrested following a post on social media by the Vian Police Department regarding felony warrants issued for the arrest of a Vian man.

Brett D. Hooper, 29, and his uncle, John D. Gordon, 50, were both reportedly arrested after Gordon was found to be harboring Hooper at his Vian residence.

On August 9, Vian Police Chief Mark Harkins reported receiving a tip that Hooper Brett D. Hooper

was seen with his uncle, Gordon, riding throughout town and going into Dollar General together.

Harkins obtained video surveillance from the store, showing the two entering and leaving together. He was also able to confirm Hooper had outstanding warrants for his arrest in both Sebastian County, Ark. and Oklahoma.

Harkins said he contacted Gordon in June and advised him of Hooper’s warrants. He also told him the two had been spotted driving around together and Hooper had been spotted at his residence. He also told Gordon if he was offering Hooper any assistance in avoiding arrest, that he could be arrested as well. Gordon then ordered the police chief off his property, according to the affidavit filed in the case.

Vian officers and Sequoyah County Sheriff deputies arrived at Gordon’s residence where Harkins reported seeing Hooper running inside and shutting the door.

When Harkins knocked and announced police presence, Gordon reportedly answered and was asked if Hooper was inside.

Gordon said he was and authorities made entry into the home where they found Hooper hiding in a bathroom. He reportedly surrendered without incident and was taken into custody.

Gordon reportedly waived his rights and when Harkins asked him if he remembered their earlier conversation, Gordon alleged he was trying to get Hooper to rehab but acknowledged that he knew Hooper was wanted.

Harkins said when he asked Gordon why he didn’t bring Hooper to the police department when he was across the road at Dollar General, Gordon said if he would have had a horn on his vehicle, he would’ve honked for Harkins to come get him, according to the affidavit.

The police chief noted that even though Gordon knew of Hooper’s wanted status, he continued to give him shelter and transport him to avoid apprehension.

Gordon was transported to the Sequoyah County Detention Center and booked in on the charge of harboring a fugitive from justice.