Authorities continue a manhunt for a suspect who hit a road construction worker, ditched a stolen car and took off on foot. It began about 8 am Friday on Highway 66 between Luther Road and Dobbs.
Described as a black male, 160 pounds and wearing blue jeans and a blue jacket, the suspect eluded authorities all morning despite massive manpower on the ground, including a canine unit and in the air. By 11 am the search had moved further east into Lincoln County with a focus near 3290 and 920 roads west of Wellston. The search was hampered by ineffective equipment for communication via radio between agencies, a longstanding problem.
Luther Poice Chief David Randall tried to stop the suspect car before 8 am. During the pursuit, the suspect car, reported stolen this morning in Oklahoma City, hit the worker at the beginning of the road construction on Highway 66 at the bridge east of town. The suspect car off-roaded and stopped in a thicket and then took off on foot prompting the manhunt. Randall pursued the suspect on foot.
The suspect reportedly made a burglary attempt off Pottawatomie Road near Jones Drive and south of Covell. Surveillance cameras from that scene enabled authorities to retrieve a suspect picture and the search continued east.
Reports are the Haskell Lemon employee was treated and released from a Shawnee hospital.
Authorities from Lincoln County, Oklahoma County, Harrah, McLoud, Jones, Arcadia, Oklahoma City, and of course, Luther are involved in the manhunt and investigation.
Monitor Lincoln County Emergency Management, and of course, The Luther Register for updates.
