Suspect Takes Troopers On Chase That Ends In Del City Backyard

Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) troopers tried to assist a driver with a flat tire and it led to a pursuit.

Tuesday, March 17th 2015, 5:45 pm

By: News 9


Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) troopers tried to assist a driver with a flat tire and it led to a pursuit.

The suspect, Charles McGee, 31, allegedly bailed out of his truck and ran from the trooper, during what was supposed to be a routine stop near S.E. 15th and I-35 Tuesday morning.

According to the OHP, McGee disappeared into a nearby building, but then reappeared moments later in a white van he stole from the parking lot.

"Obviously he had no regard for his own safety or anyone else's safety," said OHP Capt. Paul Timmons.

As the suspect started to flee the scene in the stolen vehicle, he hit a car and then swerved toward a trooper.

"At that point, the trooper that he drove towards was feeling threatened," said Timmons, "[and] he fired shots at the individual."

No one was hit by the gunfire and McGee continued to make his escape, racing off at speeds greater than 85 miles per hour.

3/17/2015 Related Story: Man Arrested In Del City After Leading Troopers On Chase In Stolen Vehicle

The pursuit didn't last long. After speeding through traffic, OHP officials say McGee got the van stuck in a grassy field near Reno Ave. and Sunnylane Rd. He then allegedly jumped from the van and tried to hide in the backyard of a nearby residence.

"I walked out here," said Shane Clark, "and I seen [sic] several officers standing around with rifles and that sort of thing."

Clark says he assumed troopers were looking for a fugitive.

"I locked the front door, went to the back door and locked it," said Clark, "and told the wife and kids to stay inside."

Clark says he walked out back just in time to see troopers capture McGee.

"I could tell there was a lot of commotion," said Clark, "and I look over and I see them wrestling around in the backyard with the fellow and they were apprehending him at that point."

The whole scene was a bit unsettling, but Clark says he could tell OHP had the situation under control:

"It was good police work."

McGee is being held at the Oklahoma County Jail on multiple complaints, including assault and battery with a deadly weapon and endangering others while eluding police officer.

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