OKC Police Arrest Man Found Hiding Under Pile Of Tires

A routine traffic stop by Oklahoma City police leads to a pursuit, foot chase and search for man, eventually found under a pile of tires.

It happened on Saturday, January 12, at N.W. 10th Street and N. Sterling Avenue when police pulled over a driver for not having a tag light. That driver was later identified as 27-year-old Micah Lorance Thames.

According to a police report, after pulling over the vehicle, officers went to approach the car, when Thames took off northbound on North Sterling Avenue into a residential area. Officers got into their car and chased him. Police say Thames sped through the neighborhood at more than 40 mph in a 25 mph speed zone. Thames reportedly lost control several times during the pursuit, driving through front yards, running a stop sign and nearly colliding with the police car. The driver again lost control at 4636 N.W. 10th Street, crashing into a curb, blowing out both front tires and deploying the air bags.

Police say Thames then got out of the car and took off on foot south of Alligator Alley, a reptile and pet store. Police on the ground with a canine and Air One above searched the area for Thames. The police dog, Blitz, eventually found Thames in an alley off N.W. 10th Street hiding under a large pile of car tires. Police say Thames did not comply with police and remained lying under the pile of tires. Police dragged him from the pile and handcuffed him.

Thames faces charges of eluding an officer. Police also say he has two felony warrants against him out of Oklahoma County for second degree burglary. He also has a prior felony conviction for second degree burglary in Oklahoma County.

10/8/2012 Related Story: OKC Man Who Chased Down Home Burglar Speaks Out

A woman passenger in Thames' car was taken to a local hospital with neck and knee injuries. She was not arrested.