Hit-And-Run Suspect Arrested After Chase In Southwest OKC

Deputies arrested Sunday a driver accused of deliberately running into a motorcyclist with his car, and then speeding away from the scene.

Around 2 a.m. on July 29, an Oklahoma County Sheriff's deputy saw a motorcycle on its side at the intersection of S.W. 15th Street and Agnew. He also saw a 1999 Nissan Sentra driving away.

The driver of the motorcycle told the deputy the driver of the Nissan had nearly side-swiped him. The two men argued, and the motorcyclist said the Nissan driver drove away, circled back and slammed into the motorcycle and the driver.

The deputy pursued the Nissan. Just a few minutes into the chase, a passenger jumped out of the fleeing car near S.W. 20th Street and Villa, and ran off. The deputy continued to follow the vehicle.

The deputy reported the Nissan driver drove recklessly; hopping curbs and driving through neighborhood yards.

The suspect, 45-year-old Mario Varela-Perez, eventually jumped out of the car and started running. A second deputy chased Varela-Perez and quickly caught up to him. The deputy said Varela-Perez physically attacked him, but the deputy was able to subdue and arrest him after a brief confrontation.

Deputies found open containers of beer inside Varela-Perez's car. He was arrested on several complaints, including driving under the influence of alcohol, assault and battery upon a deputy, resisting arrest, and hit and run.

Varela-Perez is being held on $20,800 bond. U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement also placed a hold on him because he is in the United States illegally.

The passenger who jumped out of the car was never located.