Lorain man second to be arrested in apparent fake kidnapping robbery in Wickliffe

WICKLIFFE, Ohio - A second person has been arrested in connection with a Wickliffe ordeal in which police said a woman faked her own kidnapping during a home invasion robbery.

Gregory Thomas, 20, of Lorain, turned himself into police Friday after learning there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He has been charged with one count of aggravated robbery and one count of kidnapping.

The woman who told police she had been kidnapped, Tymika Thomas, was arrested April 12. Police said their investigation revealed that she was never held against her will and was actually involved in the robbery.

The robbery happened April 6 on Rickey Lane on Wickliffe.

According to police, Tymika Thomas told officers she returned to the home after a night out with the homeowner, 72-year-old Gary Matousek. She said two men with guns were inside the house and forced her and Matousek to the ground before taking off with some cash.

Matousek told police that Tymika Thomas told was forced to leave with the two men. Thomas surfaced about 16 hours later in Huron.

Tymika Thomas appeared in court April 13, where her bond was set at $25,000.

Greg Thomas was released Friday after posting a $50,000 cash/surety bond.

Wickliffe police said they believe two other people were involved in the robbery, but no other arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 440-943-1234.