An Independence man was arrested Tuesday following an alleged armed robbery at a Newport hotel.
Newport police said 20-year-old Christopher Michael Lekoff is accused of robbing an acquaintance at gunpoint at the Days Inn on Southwest Coast Highway. Officers responded to the hotel at approximately 11:20 a.m. Tuesday, July 14.
The victim told investigators that Lekoff was a longtime acquaintance and that the two had shared a hotel room the previous night. Police said that while the victim was taking a shower Tuesday morning, Lekoff packed his belongings.
When the victim left the bathroom, Lekoff allegedly demanded the victim’s purse, which contained a large amount of cash. When the victim refused, police said Lekoff displayed a firearm and again demanded the purse. The victim, fearing for their safety, complied.
Lekoff allegedly left the hotel with the purse and cash, got into a vehicle and headed south on Highway 101. Newport police alerted nearby law-enforcement agencies to watch for Lekoff and his vehicle.
Florence police located the vehicle a short time later and detained Lekoff during a high-risk traffic stop. A Newport police officer traveled to Florence as another officer obtained a warrant to search the vehicle.
Police said the search uncovered a nine-millimeter handgun, along with the victim’s purse and cash, hidden inside Lekoff’s vehicle.
Lekoff was transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged on charges of first-degree robbery, first-degree theft and menacing. The allegations have not been proven in court.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information may contact Newport Police Sergeant Leake at 541-574-3348. Tips may also be submitted by calling 541-574-5455, texting 541-270-1856 or emailing tipline@newportpolice.net.
