Man Arrested, Accused Of Leading Police Chase In Stolen Truck While On Drugs

A man is in police custody, accused of grand theft auto, following a chase in a box truck on Highway 81.

Monday morning, Minco Police found themselves chasing an Oklahoma City man, Preston Hayes, accused of stealing a box truck while on drugs. 

"It was coming into Minco and driving erratically," Minco Police Chief Frederick Johnson Jr. said. "You have a box truck, probably 24 feet long, moving back and forth across both lanes of traffic. It's clearly endangering the citizens."  

His officers attempted to make a traffic stop when Hayes took off. 

"It went up Highway 81 through Union City and into El Reno," said Johnson. "It even left the roadway for a little while and went through two people's front yards."  

Canadian County deputies, Union City and El Reno officers, and OHP troopers joined the chase along the way. 

"You're talking probably 15 cars involved in that chase by the time it terminated," said Johnson.  

Monday’s chase came to an end peacefully just north of El Reno and Minco. Police say it's a testament to the power of teamwork. 

"We have to do more with less," Johnson explained. "It's important because we don't have as many officers in a small area so the fact that we all work together as a group."  

Johnson said the outcome is the best he could've hoped for. 

"No vehicles were damaged, and no officers were injured, and we did take that individual into custody," he said. "He is now facing charges of DUI, as well as felony eluding and he's facing a pending charge for the stolen truck out of Oklahoma City."  

The pursuit showed a chain of departments, all working together. 

"Everybody did their part and I think that's why it terminated the way it should have," Johnson said.