2 Arrested After Mistakenly Fleeing From Police, Leading Officers On Chase

A police pursuit on Saturday evening led to a crash near a nursing home after a driver mistakenly fled from a police officer who was on their way to help another officer.

According to the Tulsa Police Department, the chase began around 8:20 p.m. near East 21st Street and South Memorial Drive when an officer turned on their lights and sirens to go help another officer when a truck that was driving in front of the officer then took off instead of moving over to allow the officers to pass.

The driver led police on a short pursuit through a field before crashing into a fence and tree outside of a nursing home.

Police said the driver of the vehicle fled from the scene on foot, leaving two women behind inside the truck.

Officers found the driver, who they later identified as Tyler Smithee, using the TPD helicopter.

According to officers, Smithee was wanted on a shooting with intent to kill warrant.

The suspect was later booked into the Tulsa County Jail on complaints of eluding police and possession of a firearm, among other charges.

Laci Burch was also booked into the Tulsa County Jail on a complaint of harboring a fugitive for trying to help Smithee escape after police say she lied to officers about Smithee's name. Burch also had a warrant out for her arrest in Texas.