July 27, 2021
By News Director Jared Atha
A Memphis, Tennessee man was arrested and charged in Beckham County recently after leading multiple agencies on a high speed pursuit on Interstate 40.
According to a probable cause affidavit, 48-year-old Willie Aaron Smith is accused of leading Texas and Oklahoma authorities on the high speed pursuit in the eastbound lanes of I-40 that originated in Texas, that saw speeds reach as high as 150 mph.
Authorities say stop sticks were deployed at three locations along I-40, one at mile marker 32, one at mile marker 38, and another at mile maker 40. However Smith successfully eluded all three while driving a Dodge Charger with a passenger inside.
Eventually Smith would voluntarily pull over near the 41 mile marker and was arrested. His passenger was released from the scene.
Smith was charged in Beckham County District Court last week with one felony count of endangering others while attempting to elude a police officer and three felony counts of running a roadblock.
Bond For Smith was set at $75,000. His first court date is scheduled for August 30.
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