Auto Theft Suspect Arrested After Police Chase From Catoosa Into Tulsa

Police arrested an auto theft suspect who led them on chase from Catoosa into Tulsa early Thursday.

The chase ended when the suspect crashed his car into a sign near Peoria and Riverside Drive.

Police said it started when Catoosa Police tried to stop the driver near the Hard Rock Casino, but driver Jamie Hodges kept driving into Tulsa.

Officers put out stop sticks, but Hodges just kept on going.

Tulsa Police Captain Malcolm Wightman said their officers on the ground backed off and the department's helicopter followed the car until it crashed at a curve in the road.

"It allows us to avoid having ground units that are directly behind the suspect vehicle which tends to reduce the speed of the pursuits," Wightman said.

Hodges eventually came out of the car and was arrested. Police said he was wanted for auto theft in several counties.

Wightman said they're thankful Hodges didn't hurt anyone else along the way.

"He was driving extremely dangerously. In fact, we were doing our best to keep our vehicles out of the pursuit in order to reduce his speed and to reduce the likelihood of an injury," said Police Captain Malcolm Wightman.

Police say Hodges was driving his own car during the chase.