SAND SPRINGS, Okla. — Three people were arrested and troopers had to shoot an ex-convict when he tried to run them over, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol says.
According to OHP, the tactical team was helping to serve a Tulsa County warrant on Phillip Christopher Hardman, who first was believed to be at a residence in far eastern Pawnee County.
As it prepared to serve the warrant, the OHP Tactical Team developed intelligence that Hardman was located at another residence in Sand Springs, OHP says.
As investigators approached the Sand Springs home, they said Hardman left and fled in a vehicle. Troopers gave chase, performing a tactical vehicle intervention and the vehicle Hardman was driving spun out in a ditch, OHP says.
“He then began driving toward the troopers who were approaching him on foot,” according to OHP. “Those troopers opened fire and Hardman was taken into custody.”
Hardman was taken to a hospital for treatment before he will be booked into the Tulsa County jail.
Troopers also arrested Christopher Pearson and Heather Barksdale, who also were at the residence and had outstanding warrants. Pearson also was arrested forassault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and drug
possession, jail records show.
According to a booking report, Pearson hid from troopers, so the K9 was dispatched. A booking report says he later reached for a trooper's gun as he was being arrested. Pearson had to be treated for injuries from the OHP K9 at a hospital before he was taken to jail. While at the hospital, a nurse reportedly found crystal methamphetamine in his possession.
Pearson remains in jail, while it appears Barksdale has been released on bond.
The troopers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave with pay as the investigation continues, per department policy.
Records show Hardman has a long history of criminal offenses, with time served in prison for multiple crimes, including drug-related, firearms, stolen vehicle and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon convictions. He first went to prison in 2008 and last was released in April 2017. Records show he is serving probation in several cases, including eluding a police officer.
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