TULSA, Okla. — Jimmy Jarman started his comic book business 30 years ago in Muskogee. The rent for his first space was $100, which he didn't have. So he pawned his stepfather's gun for $150 and moved in.
"I had $100 for the rent and $50 to buy more comics. I just told my mom a few years ago," Jarman said.
He's been in his Tulsa location for over 20 years and has never had to close his door for business until last Thursday, because of an executive order from Mayor G.T. Bynum.
Jarman says he was in the back room of his store around 5 a.m. Monday morning when he heard a loud noise. At first he ignored it, but came to investigate.
He was face to face with a burglar who had busted out his front window. The hooded man was also armed and looking back, Jarman says he is glad he didn't try to surprise the suspect.
Jarman said, "The crowbar was laying right here on the floor. So, if I would have snuck up on him, he could have grab that."
Jarman's store is equipped with multiple surveillance cameras, which captured the incident.
Even after losing thousands of dollars in damage and loss of merchandise, Jarman has this message to whoever did this.
"If it was someone who came back with forgiveness and regret, I'd probably work through it," Jarman said.
Tulsa police are investigating and asking for help identifying the suspect. Police have also increased patrols around closed businesses to look for suspcious activity.
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