TULSA, Okla. - A 29-year-old man was arrested after Tulsa Police say he was traveling more than twice the speed limit before causing a three-vehicle crash that seriously injured another driver, then running from the scene.
Tulsa Police officers responded around 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 12 to a hit-and-run collision near 79th Street and Sheridan Road.
Witnesses told investigators that a Dodge Nitro was traveling southbound in the center turn lane at more than 80 mph in a 40 mph zone, passing other vehicles before the crash.
Police said the collision involved the Dodge Nitro, a Chevrolet Equinox and a Toyota Prius. The exact circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation.
The driver of the Prius was not significantly injured. The driver of the Equinox, however, suffered what police described as significant injuries and was transported to a hospital.
Witnesses Help Police Track Down Driver
Police identified the driver of the Dodge as Casey Beckford, 29.
According to investigators, Beckford got out of the Nitro immediately after the collision and ran from the scene.
Multiple witnesses remained at the crash site and provided officers with a description of Beckford and the direction in which he had fled.
Using that information, officers tracked Beckford to his nearby apartment. Police said Beckford came outside without incident.
Because he may have suffered injuries in the collision, Beckford was taken to a hospital for medical clearance before being transported to jail.
Investigators determined Beckford was allegedly driving with a suspended driver's license and expired vehicle registration and was not wearing a seat belt.
Beckford was booked into the Tulsa County Jail on charges including Leaving the Scene of an Injury Accident, Causing an Accident Resulting in Great Bodily Injury and Reckless Driving, along with the additional traffic violations.
The charges are allegations, and the arrest does not constitute a conviction.
Tulsa Police also credited the witnesses who stopped to assist the crash victims before first responders arrived and remained at the scene to help officers locate the suspect.