The Guthrie Police Department’s strategic implementation of technology has resulted in the successful arrest of two individuals following a high-speed pursuit involving a stolen vehicle, reaching speeds of up to 125 mph.
In April 2023, the department initiated the use of Flock Safety Automated License Plate Readers across the city, effectively capturing crucial vehicle data known as the “fingerprint” of vehicles. This cutting-edge system has proven instrumental in solving numerous crimes, including the recent incident that unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
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Alerted by the camera system, officers swiftly responded to reports of a possible stolen 2009 Honda Accord from Texas, located in the vicinity of State Highway 33 and Academy Road. Acting on the information, police intercepted the vehicle just before 4 a.m. and initiated a traffic stop.
Upon approach, the driver, later identified as 18-year-old Jazzmyne Saunders-Walker, was informed of the vehicle’s stolen status and instructed to exit the vehicle, as detailed in the police report. However, Walker evaded compliance and accelerated away as an officer attempted to disable the vehicle.
The pursuit ensued with Walker navigating through city streets at dangerously high speeds. Maneuvering onto 19th Street, then north onto Broadway, and west onto SH-33, speeds exceeded 120 mph, endangering other motorists on the road. Despite evasive actions to avoid a collision, the pursuit culminated near 122nd St. in Oklahoma City, where the stolen vehicle lost control attempting to evade other vehicles, ultimately colliding with barriers.
Saunders-Walker, accompanied by 30-year-old Eddie Bryant, was apprehended and subsequently booked into the city jail before transfer to the Logan County Detention Center. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.
Assisting Guthrie officers in the operation were the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. During the investigation, authorities discovered marijuana within the vehicle.
As of the time of reporting, Saunders-Walker faces one charge (aggravated attempting to elude an officer), with further legal proceedings scheduled for Thursday. Walker has opted not to engage with investigators at this time.
Both suspects remain in custody at the Logan County jail.
Stolen Vehicle in Texas
The stolen Honda was reportedly taken following an assault on an individual, resulting in the theft of the victim’s car keys. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, led to the vehicle being reported missing the following day. Subsequently, the stolen vehicle was entered into a national database, including Guthrie’s PD camera system, aiding in its eventual recovery.
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