Cushing ex-convict accused of stealing car in Stillwater

STILLWATER — An ex-convict from Cushing accused of stealing a woman’s car that was running and unlocked has been jailed on $30,000 bond pending a Dec. 7 court appearance at which he can seek a preliminary hearing on a three-count felony charge.

   Brandon Michael Ray Thompson, 45, could be given a 15-year prison term if convicted of entering a parked 2011 Ford Escape in Stillwater, stealing the car, and concealing stolen property, court records show.

   Stillwater Police Officer Damian Neiswanger was sent at 7:07 pm on Oct. 14 to the 1400 block of S. Perkins Road on a report that “a male got into a running, unlocked vehicle and was driving eastbound on 14th from Perkins,” with the victim chasing after it, an affidavit said.

   The officer wrote in his affidavit, “When I arrived on scene, Officer Blankenship made contact with the victim in a parking lot at Couch Park. I looked in the area for the vehicle, but I did not locate it. She told me her purse, medication and money was in the vehicle when it was stolen.

   “I told her that we would go back to OnCue, and I would attempt to watch video. In the video, there is a white male wearing a white tank top and jeans with a black backpack. I watched the male walk out of the east entrance and look at the car.

   “A short time later, the male came back into the camera view and spoke with a male outside for a second. The male then walked around to the driver side and got into the vehicle. He then backed out and began driving away.”

   About an hour and 10 minutes later, the victim reported that she found her car in the 1800 block of S. Perkins Road, the affidavit said.

   In his affidavit, Officer Neiswanger alleged, “I responded and when I arrived on scene, I observed a male that matched the description of the one who stole the vehicle. The victim was outside yelling at him, and I placed the male in handcuffs and walked him to my patrol car.

   “I began a search of the male, later identified as Brandon Thompson, and in his back left pocket, I located an OnCue card and a Vanilla gift card. Brandon said he found those in the car and just picked them up and forgot to put them back. I then informed Brandon that he was under arrest.

   “I spoke with the victim, and she said that she was only missing some medication and maybe some cards from her wallet. I showed her the cards I located, and she confirmed they were hers.”

   According to the state Department of Corrections, Thompson had been released from prison seven months earlier after serving about half of a four-year prison term he was given in 2024 for auto theft in 2023 in Payne County.

   Thompson has an extensive criminal record in Payne County including convictions for second-degree burglary in 2022, methamphetamine possession in 2015, unauthorized use of a vehicle in 2013, first-degree burglary in 2007, and assault and battery on a police officer in 2007 and 2003, DOC records show.