OHP Releases Name Of Woman Killed By Suspect In Owasso-Area Pursuit

Oklahoma Highway Patrol released the name of the woman killed when an auto theft suspect crashed into her car during a pursuit Sunday morning. She was identified as 64-year-old Owasso resident Etoyce Johnson.

Johnson's son, Eric Johnson, said his mother was on her way to church, Greater Grace Temple, when she was killed.

"She was smart. She was tough. She had been through a lot," he said.

Authorities said Blake Lee Ferguson was running from OHP troopers in a stolen pickup when he crashed into Johnson's car on 76th Street North near Mingo, in Owasso. She died at a hospital of massive injuries.

Eric said, "I feel bad she was along, ya know."

But even though she was alone, her said said his mother's life was anything but lonely.

Etoyce Johnson was a mother of four and a grandmother of five, and she spent a lot of time at her son's house with his kids.

"Every time she leaves, my kids give you a hug. 'I love you nana, love you nana.' 'Love you too, baby,' that's what she would say," Eric said.

The grandchildren could expect a visit from her three or four times a week.

Eric said, "The silence is gonna be tough. You know, waiting for a knock that never comes."

But, Etoyce's son said the impact of her life goes beyond family. She taught language arts at six elementary and middle schools in Tulsa over a 35-year period.

"You can't really calculate what it's gonna mean, the ripple effect of how many people she's touched spreads far," Eric said.

Etoyce was also involved in her church, and Eric said she will be missed by many.

"I guess the thing I'm gonna miss the most is the love. I mean, when you sum it up, that's all she was about. Everything she did was out of love," he said.

Ferguson, 32, was booked on complaints of first-degree murder, eluding, possession of a controlled drug, driving under the influence of drugs, driving with a suspended license and possession of a stolen vehicle.

6/26/2016 Related Story; Auto Theft Suspect Crashes Into, Kills Woman In Owasso-Area Pursuit

Troopers said they spotted Ferguson in Tulsa in the truck that had been stolen from Catoosa. They tried to pull him over near Admiral and Mingo, but he sped off, running traffic lights and driving left of center, an arrest report states.

Around 9:49 a.m., the stolen Dodge hit Johnson's red Chevrolet sedan. Ferguson told law enforcement at the scene that he knew the truck was stolen and didn't want to go back to jail.

Troopers said they found methamphetamine in the truck. Ferguson allegedly admitted to smoking it that morning.

Records show Ferguson has past convictions for making and using drugs, driving under the influence, possession of stolen items and eluding police.