An Oklahoma woman was arrested after allegedly threatening a senior center resident with a knife and attempting to set his oxygen machine on fire. The incident occurred on January 20, 2025, at the Jeltz Senior Center in Oklahoma City. The suspect, 33-year-old Marketta Bates, was taken into custody after police responded to calls reporting an assault at the facility. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Bates in a common area amid a chaotic situation. The victim, whose identity has not been revealed, told police that Bates had pointed a knife at him while threatening to ignite his oxygen tank.
According to the victim, the altercation began when Bates confronted him about her mother’s allegedly stolen phone. The victim, who was selling clothes in the common area, tried to de-escalate the situation by asking Bates to calm down. However, she became increasingly upset, leading to a heated argument. Bates reportedly yelled at other residents nearby, further escalating the situation.
The confrontation took a dangerous turn when Bates allegedly threatened to set the victim’s oxygen tank on fire. Fearing for his safety, the victim quickly disconnected the breathing tubes from the oxygen tank. Other residents tried to intervene and prevent Bates from carrying out her threat, but she reportedly slammed the oxygen tank to the ground, causing it to leak liquid. Bates then turned to a nearby garbage pail and allegedly attempted to set it on fire.
The situation grew more alarming when Bates reportedly made slashing motions with a knife, which she had in her bag. Police later reviewed security footage from the senior center, which confirmed much of the victim’s account of the events, although it did not show the knife. Bates was subsequently arrested and charged with attempted arson and assault and battery with a deadly weapon. She was taken to the Oklahoma County Detention Center, where she was booked on a $10,000 bond.
During the arrest, Bates explained to police that she was visiting a relative at the senior center. She cooperated with the officers, allowing them to search her as they handcuffed her and took her out of the building. When questioned about carrying any weapons, Bates admitted that she had a knife in her bag, which police recovered during the search.
The alleged victim was fortunate to avoid serious injury, though the situation could have ended much worse. Oxygen tanks are highly flammable, and an ignition could have led to a deadly explosion. Fortunately, the victim’s quick thinking and the intervention of other residents prevented the situation from escalating further.
Bates’ arrest has raised concerns about safety and security at senior centers, where vulnerable individuals rely on a peaceful environment. The incident has also drawn attention to the need for better conflict resolution strategies in such settings, as well as the potential risks associated with oxygen tanks and other medical equipment. The charges against Bates reflect the severity of the situation, and she now faces serious legal consequences for her actions.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe and supportive atmosphere for elderly residents, especially in facilities where medical equipment is in use. It also highlights the potential dangers of volatile confrontations involving individuals who may be under stress or dealing with personal issues. The authorities will continue to investigate the matter as Bates prepares to face trial for her alleged crimes.
