Canadian Co. pursuit ends with PIT maneuver, drug trafficking arrests

A high-speed chase on Interstate 40 ended with a PIT maneuver and the arrest of two men on drug trafficking charges, according to the Canadian County Sheriff's Office.

The pursuit began around 3:44 p.m. on Feb. 16, when a deputy observed a vehicle committing multiple traffic violations, including following too closely, near Calumet Road.

When the deputy initiated a traffic stop, the driver failed to comply and continued eastbound, reaching speeds of up to 115 mph despite emergency lights and sirens, authorities said.

As the chase approached the Country Club Road exit, law enforcement vehicles were positioned along the entry ramp. The driver accelerated, weaving through heavy traffic and attempting to maneuver through the median. The suspect vehicle continued at speeds between 90 and 115 mph, creating a significant risk to public safety, officials said.

Deputies executed a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI), commonly known as a PIT maneuver, near the I-40 weigh station, bringing the vehicle to a stop off the interstate in a grassy area. The driver, identified as Quazon Gibson, 25, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and passenger Angel Rosales, 32, of San Diego, California, were taken into custody without further incident.

A search of the vehicle uncovered 25 vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana, weighing approximately 25 pounds. Authorities believe the suspects were transporting the drugs from California to South Carolina for distribution.

Gibson and Rosales face multiple charges, including drug trafficking and attempting to elude law enforcement.

Gibson was released on a $100,000 bond, while Rosales remains in custody on a $50,000 bond.

The investigation is ongoing.