TULSA - Police are investigating a fatal wreck after several agencies were involved in a chase early Wednesday morning that led authorities onto a runway at the Tulsa International Airport.
Jerry Lee Newman, 24, is in custody in connection with the pursuit. He was arrested in the 10900 block of East 33rd Place.
Officials say the head-on collision occurred in the northbound lanes of Highway 75, just north of Pine.
The pursuit began in Sapulpa and continued through Tulsa after the suspect allegedly stole a utility vehicle.
According to police, the suspect then crashed through a perimeter gate at the Tulsa International Airport and was able to make it onto a runway.
Airport officials say the runway is not used for commercial flights and that no flights were affected.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the suspect came close to a plane on the tarmac and that a trooper most likely prevented an event at the airport.
Crews fixing the fence where earlier today OHP says a man driving a stolen truck crashed through TIA fences during a chase. @KJRH2HD pic.twitter.com/Y3K5MmSNfu
— Tony Russell (@TonyRussellTV) May 24, 2017
The pursuit then continued on Highway 75 where the fatal crash occurred, according to police.
Officers on scene say the suspect took off on foot after the wreck.
BREAKING: TPD searching for the suspect, no good description, K9s helping with search. Police cars spread out near N Lewis Ave @KJRH2HD pic.twitter.com/X2MNuwb8l3
— Gitzel Puente (@gitzelpuenteTV) May 24, 2017
UPDATE: The search for suspect is about a mile from the head-on collision on Hwy 75. We have a crew there @NewsGuy96 #Tulsa @KJRH2HD pic.twitter.com/ZFqq8UHjkM
— Gitzel Puente (@gitzelpuenteTV) May 24, 2017
OHP has set up a tip line and asks that anyone with information call 405-425-7620 or email ohptips@dps.ok.gov.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
