Vehicles Collide After High-Speed Pursuit Injuring 5

Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A van leading an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper on a chase crashed into a car in southeast Oklahoma City leaving five people injured.

Troopers said the driver, 22-year-old Tiffany Lashay Hughes, took off when a trooper tried to stop her for speeding on Interstate 35 shortly before noon Tuesday. Police said they also noticed the license of the van was covered.

Hughes tried to avoid troopers and finally exited at S.E. 44th Street and crashed into another vehicle.

"She just hit the other car head on and that's when they spinned. It like hit the other cars head on and lifted them off the ground, off the ground by like four foot," said Mark Adams who witnessed the crash.

Adams said even after the crash, the chase continued.

"She got out of the car, the van that she was driving and started running around. Well, Highway Patrol was on a motorcycle, so he just followed her," Adams said.

As the trooper worked to capture that suspect, firefighters worked to free the injured parties.

"There were two occupants in the blue Mustang. Both of them have been transported. There were three occupants in the blue van and all three of them have been transported to the hospital as well," said OHP LT. Tim Tipton.

The driver of the Mustang was admitted to the hospital in serious condition. The passenger was treated and released. The other two passengers in the van were both treated and released.

Hughes is now facing criminal charges including speeding and evading an officer. Authorities said the investigation is still ongoing.

OHP also said they found stolen clothes in the van, and that may provide a clue as to why Hughes fled.

OHP said Hughes also hit another vehicle along I-35, but there was only minor damage and there were no injuries to that driver.

Along with Hughes, another person in the van was taken into custody.