Man Accused Of Causing A Hit And Run, Injury Accident Involving MWC Officer

A man was arrested after DNA evidence linked him to a hit and run, injury accident that involved a Midwest City police officer, Midwest City police reported.

Justin Alan Morris, 31, was arrested Wednesday on charge of accidents resulting in non-fatal injury, failure to stop.

About 4:35 a.m. June 28, Midwest City police Lt. Laura Henry was searching for a burglar in the 800 block of N. Douglas Boulevard. When she spotted a person, she slowed down, unbuckled her seat belt and prepared to stop her patrol vehicle.

Henry was hit from behind by a white pickup driving about 45 mph, causing the patrol vehicle to cross four lanes of traffic to the eastbound curb, went airborne and flipped, according to court documents.

The pickup drove away and Henry was taken to OU Medical Center for treatment.

The pickup was found about a quarter mile away from the accident with front end damage and a deployed airbag, police reported.

The pickup was registered to Morris, but Morris told police he was not driving the pickup at the time of the accident. Police noted Morris recently showered but had minor abrasions to his knees, left elbow and the top of his head, as well as a strong odor of alcohol, according to court documents.

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents took a DNA sample from the airbag and matched the DNA to a sample Morris gave, according to court documents.

"Character guides us in our daily decisions. Justin Morris obviously lacks this quality by choosing to flee the scene of an injury accident and being untruthful when confronted about it," Midwest City police Chief Brandon Clabes said. "Forensic science never lies and was pivotal in solving this hit and run accident that could have easily killed or maimed an innocent police officer."

Henry was released from the hospital and is recovering at home, Clabes said.

Morris was taken to Oklahoma County jail and his bail is set at $25,000.