Local News
Related Photos
-
Express-Star photo by Mike Friend This car was left a mangled mess after it was involved in a high-speed chase in May. A review of the chase reveals that the deputy may have violated department policy when he pursued a man who he observed not wearing a seat belt.
Discussion
Deputy may have violated policy in recent pursuit
A review of a May high-speed pursuit shows that a Grady County reserve deputy may have violated Sheriff’s Department policy although supervisors deemed the chase, that left two injured and two cars a mangle mess,justified.
“I hope he had a good reason, but I didn’t really get to talk to anybody before they took me to the emergency room,” said Turner Berry Jr. who’s car was totaled when the fleeing suspect plowed in to him.
In the affidavit of arrest, Reserve Deputy Steven Gilliam states that he observed a “black male driver not wearing his seat belt.” Gilliam then caught up to the suspect and activated his lights and siren and the suspect then pulled over in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Once pulled over the driver then stepped out of the vehicle and Gilliam instructed him to stay inside the vehicle.
Gilliam stated, “While waiting for the chance to advise dispatch of the traffic stop, the driver put the car in gear and left the scene. The vehicle left the Wal-Mart parking lot at a high rate of speed and about first and Washington the suspect’s vehicle struck a northbound pick-up causing it to rollover and damage both vehicles.”
Questions have arisen with regard to the justification of the Deputy’s decision to pursue. The first question, “Why is a reserve officer involved in a high speed pursuit, when they are not trained in that type of situation?”
According to Sheriff McMullen, the purpose of a “Reserve Deputy” is to help with parades, community events, and possibly help with traffic accidents to help make the scene safe.
The second question, “Why are Deputies pulling citizens over in the Chickasha City limits, especially for minor traffic violations?”
McMullen said, “We are always telling the guys to get out in the rural areas, but we do still have jurisdiction anywhere in Grady County. It’s too easy to make stops though in town.”
The third question, “Did Deputy Gilliam follow the Sheriff’s Department Pursuit Policy and why did he not follow policy by calling the stop in before the cars were pulled over?”
The policy states: that the office may exceed the speed limit so long as he does not danger life or property. Any member engaged in emergency or pursuit operations, has imposed upon him increased responsibility for: careful attention to his driving, cognizance of existing conditions, alertness for other traffic and it’s movement, awareness of potential hazards and sudden developments, use of safe driving skills, good judgment, sound discretion, and driving with due regard for the safety of all perons and property.
Members engaged in emergency or pursuit operations will not endanger themselves nor other motorists and pedestrians.
The Oklahoma City Police Department, Chickasha Police Department, and Highway Patrol were given this particular case as a “hypothetical situation” and asked, “In your professional opinion, would this stop be justified?”
All asked said that in that situation they would have called in the tag number and would have found them at their home.
Assistant Chief of the CPD, Elip Moore, said, “I know first hand the devastation that can come from high spend pursuits. When I was a Military Police officer in the army, I had a guy that tried to outrun me on a motorcycle, and regretfully after the chase, he left in a body bag. So, especially when a motor bike is involved, it’s better to just get their tag number and in many situations you can call for back up to respond to the individuals home before they even get there.”
It should be noted that the suspect in this situation was under the influence of alcohol and he was wanted in Kentucky for prior felony charges. However, the officer did not know this at the time of the pursuit.
McMullen said, “I have to stand behind my guys on this. And I don’t think he did anything wrong.”
When asked, “Had the pursuit ended in the death of an innocent pedestrian or the officer, would that have changed his view.”
McMullen replied, “They didn’t, and no it wouldn’t. Do you expect us to not chase and let the criminals think we won’t pursue them if they flee.”
- Local News
-
-
Transformations
What comes to mind when you think of the word, “Transformation”?Do you have fantastic thoughts of people or things changing into something amazing for example, Clark Kent turning into Superman or Bruce Banner becoming the Incredible Hulk or possibly something a little more down to earth like a caterpillar miraculously changing into the beautiful butterfly?
-
GRADY COUNTY FAIR RESULTS
Plants
Potted Plants
(Several varieties combined)
First: (Adult) Ann O'Bar
Second: (Adult) Joyce Riker
Third: (Adult) Jallane Link -
AROUND THE AREA
SEPTEMBER 2
Poetry Reading
• When: Sept. 2, 7 p.m.
• Where: Eduardo’s Mexican Restaurant, Private Room, 3127 S. 4th St., Chickasha
• Details: Featured Poet is Carol Hamilton, writer, storyteller and Poet Laureate of Oklahoma 1995-97Hamilton’s website is www.carolhamilton.org. There is no admission fee to attend the Poetry Reading, and refreshments are available for purchase. For more information, contact Rockford Johnson, 224-0160 or 317-7506. -
Duncan nips Chicks for straight-game win
Duncan got their eighth match win of the season Tuesday, beating Nancy Waters’ Lady Chicks in straight games at the Activity Center.
The Chicks looked like they had a little hangover from Monday night’s tough road loss at Tecumseh, coming out flat again and dropping their first two games by identical 25-17 scores.
They came out firing on all eight cylinders for game three, running out to a 15-9 lead on the strength of a 7-0 run with Shelby Crosley serving, but the Demons battled back to tie it late and the Chicks let it slip away, 25-21. -
STATE SPORTS BRIEFS
NORMAN (AP) — Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops has named walk-on Patrick O'Hara as the starting place-kicker for the seventh-ranked Sooners.
Stoops said on his radio show Tuesday night that O'Hara won the competition with Jimmy Stevens, freshman Michael Hunnicutt and redshirt freshman Bryce Easley. -
OSU's Gundy still learning on job
STILLWATER (AP) — Mike Gundy hasn't lost his love for dialing up the right play to keep Oklahoma State's offense purring along.
That passion, which he has called the most enjoyable part of his job as head coach, was bred into him as an offensive coordinator. And he is a former starting quarterback for the Cowboys. -
Whimsical metal work, jewelry part of big art show at USAO
A showing of whimsical metal work and jewelry is scheduled to be on display at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma during Helen’s Show Sept. 10-Oct 1.
The show will feature the work of USAO graduate Helen Shafer. The exhibition will be open daily during normal business hours in the Davis Hall Third Floor Art Gallery on the USAO campus. The show is free and open to the public. An opening reception is scheduled Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. in the gallery. -
High-speed chase lands 1 in jail
A high-speed motorcycle chase down Highway 81 last Wednesday landed a Ninnekah man in jail and a felony charge of eluding a police officer.
Court records show that James William Hutchins, 21, blew by Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Timothy Parrish at U.S. Highway 81 and County Road 1460 and was clocked going 144 miles per hour in a posted 70 miles per hour zone.
Parrish reported that he was sitting stationary at that location at about 3:45 p.m. on Aug. 25 when he observed a red motorcycle traveling southbound. He engaged his emergency lights and siren and pulled onto the roadway behind the Triumph motorcycle. -
5 inmates denied parole
Parole was recently denied for five Grady County inmates serving sentences with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
The following individuals were denied at the August Pardon and Parole Board meeting:
• Jeremiah Daniel Cline, who is serving a five-year sentence for distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and a five-year sentence for possession of a controlled dangerous substance, began his sentence in August 2008.
• Warren P. Diego, who is serving a 15-year sentence (10 years PTS) for lewd molestation, began his sentence in February 2009. -
Judge recuses herself from pharmacy case
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A state district judge has stepped aside from the first-degree murder trial of a pharmacist accused in the fatal shooting of an unconscious would-be robber.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Transformations
