06/30/15 Ardmore, OK – Texas Man Steals OHP Patrol Car At Accident Scene – 130 MPH Chase – Suspect Had Lights And Sirens On – Crash Into Civilians And Tree

June 30, 2015

ardmoreite.com

Some people might look at a highway patrol cruiser and think, it might be fun to drive, but it’s against the law and would not be worth the trouble.

Monday afternoon, one young man thought something quite different.

In what can only be considered a moronic decision, Casey Manning, 27, of San Antonio, stole a highway patrol car from the scene of an accident on Interstate 35 and led authorities on a chase that ended with the car crashing into a tree in Ardmore.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. Darian Galloway, Troop F, said investigators worked on identifying the suspect at the scene, who was the only one injured. He refused treatment at the scene.

Galloway said the incident began at approximately 3:30 p.m. Monday on Interstate 35 in Murray County. A highway patrolman responded to the report of an accident and while at the scene, Manning, who was involved in the accident, jumped in the patrol car and drove southbound on Interstate 35 at a high rate of speed. All available units were called to converge as the suspect left the interstate at exit 42 and drove onto U.S. Highway 77. Manning drove the cruiser to a Springer store, where he sat for a bit, and began traveling south once more on Highway 77. There were patrol units traveling northbound and turned around once they saw Manning. The chase reached speeds of 130 miles per hour.

Manning drove with lights flashing and entered Ardmore where he was in an accident one block south of Veterans Boulevard. He drove across the median and came back and left the roadway, coming to rest after hitting a tree. One vehicle, a Toyota, was hit in the rear and was removed from the scene by a wrecker. No injuries were reported by passengers in the vehicle.

Galloway said there is a driving under the influence investigation taking place as well as investigations in the pursuit and accident. Trooper Shelby Humpgreys is joining Galloway in the investigation.

The Ardmore Police Department and Chickasaw Lighthorse Patrol also took part in the apprehension of Manning.

Manning was transported from the scene to the Carter County Detention Center.