Pursuit Suspect In Custody After Accelerating Van Into Integris Baptist Hospital Entrance
OKLAHOMA CITY -
A metro man ended a pursuit on Tuesday night from Oklahoma City police by ramming his van into a busy hospital entrance. The crash sent Integris Baptist staff running for safety and police straight to 37-year-old Gary Williams.
The suspect crashed into the hospital’s main entrance near Independence Avenue and the Northwest Expressway. Hospital management said no one was injured but the entrance is closed to guests and staff until the damage is repaired.
Police said the pursuit started after Williams allegedly hit a car earlier in the evening near Northwest 45th and Classen Boulevard and drove away.
“Police were notified of a hit and run,” said MSgt. Gary Knight, Oklahoma City Police Department. “The person who had been struck by a vehicle they were following the suspect vehicle.”
Police released the 911 call the victim made.
911 Dispatcher: “Do they know you’re following them?”
Caller: “Umm, I’m pretty sure they do because this guy is going through every red light.”
An officer spotted Williams and tried to pull him over, but Williams refused to stop. The suspect led officers down the Northwest Expressway and briefly onto Independence Avenue. That was when Williams pulled into the Integris Baptist parking lot.
“The ground pursuit was terminated for safety reasons and the helicopter flew over and kept officers apprised of where the suspect was,” said Knight.
Police said Williams rammed an officer's car that followed him to the parking lot. With nowhere left to go, Williams accelerated into the hospital doors and sent staff running for cover.
Williams was still in the driver's seat when police caught up to him.
“A taser was utilized to get him into custody,” said Knight. “After being taken into custody he was checked out at the hospital.”
Williams is currently in custody at the Oklahoma County Detention Center. He faces a long list of complaints including assault and battery on an officer, endangering other while eluding police, destruction of property and leaving the scene of the accident.
