By Meghan McCormick
The Norman Transcript
Norman — Police arrested two people after separate vehicle pursuits Tuesday morning in Norman.
Norman Police Capt. Tom Easley said the first chase began about 5:45 a.m. near 24th Avenue NW and Westport Drive. An officer driving northbound on 24th Avenue NW noticed a pickup pulling a trailer. Neither the pickup nor the trailer had working taillights, police said.
“The officer activated his emergency equipment but the vehicle sped up,” Easley said.
He said the pickup turned onto Westport Drive from 24th Avenue then proceeded down a dead-end street. The driver hit a fence and wrecked the pickup near the Westwood Golf Course.
“The suspect bailed out,” Easley said.
Easley said officers soon learned the pickup, trailer and its contents were reported stolen from an address in Newcastle on Tuesday.
He said police were able to get a description of the driver. The suspect was spotted near the golf course, and officers began a search on foot.
Easley said officers arrested Johnathan Crowson 32, of Moore, about 8 a.m.
Police arrested Crowson on complaints of knowingly concealing stolen property, attempting to elude police, leaving the scene of an accident and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, Easley said. Crowson was booked into the Cleveland County Detention Center. His bond was set at $10,000.
A few hours later, police pursued another vehicle that allegedly failed to stop for an officer, police said.
Easley said an officer attempted to pull over a 2001 Ford F-150 at 10:49 a.m. in the area of Apache Street and Berry Road on a speeding complaint. Instead of stopping, the female motorist continued driving, police said.
Easley said the pursuit continued around Campus Corner where the pickup collided with an OG&E utility truck at the intersection of Duffy and DeBarr streets.
“That didn’t stop her,” Easley said. “She kept on going.”
At 10:52 a.m., the pickup approached the intersection of Berry Road and Boyd Street. Easley said she tried to turn southbound from the westbound lane. As she tried the turn, the pickup collided with another vehicle.
The pursuit ended at the intersection, Easley said.
Police arrested identified as Paige Whitlow, 20, of Norman.
“She resisted arrest and was taken into custody for a variety of offenses,” Easley said. “Both the individual that she struck and our suspect were taken to Norman Regional Hospital for precautionary reasons.”
Easley said Whitlow was booked into the Cleveland County Detention Center Tuesday afternoon on charges of attempting to elude, speeding, leaving the scene of an accident and driving under suspension.
Whitlow’s bond was set at $2,650.90, according to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department.
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com
