High-Speed Chase in Oklahoma Uncovers Human Trafficking Scheme, Suspects Arrested

2-620

Sept. 11, 2024

More details have been revealed about the high-speed chase in western Oklahoma back in August, which uncovered a possible human trafficking case.

The incident began on August 18, around 3 p.m., when an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper near the 52-mile marker on I-40 spotted a black BMW with out-of-state plates speeding. Despite the trooper driving at 130 mph, the BMW remained a quarter to half a mile ahead, weaving through traffic. According to a probable cause affidavit, one of the occupants later confirmed they were driving at 150 mph.

The chase ended when the BMW lost control, hitting sand barrels and a semi-truck before coming to a stop about 100 yards from the crash site. Two suspects fled into a nearby wooded area, prompting law enforcement to set up a perimeter.

While securing the area, authorities discovered a 33-year-old woman and a juvenile, both Spanish-speaking, at the Clinton Water Zoo. They were taken to the police station for translation assistance, where the situation took an unexpected turn. The two revealed they had paid the at-large suspects to transport them from Mexico to North Carolina. Instead, they were kidnapped, held at a house in Phoenix, and their family was forced to wire $4,000 in ransom. The journey ended in Oklahoma with the crash.

Later that night, the two 20-year-old kidnappers, Fredy Onan Pavon Lopez and Eddy Alexander Ponce Saravia, were captured after a city-wide alert and booked into Custer County Jail. The suspects face multiple charges, including kidnapping, extortion, eluding police, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

2511131130_2510160815_19812

SWOSU Student Charged as Court Probes Death

Ada, OK – Court proceedings are underway in the case of a Southwestern Oklahoma State University student who was found dead near Veterans Lake in Sulphur last month. According to court documents, Cameron Lewis, a SWOSU student

2511121214_1941244

SWOSU Computer Club Hosts Annual Fundraising Lock-In

Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Computer Club and SWOSU Esports hosted their annual Extra Life lock-in fundraiser, raising $1,000 to support the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. The funds help support needed medication, equipment, and

2511101440_1936306

Candidate Filing Begins For Board Of Education

Arapaho, OK – Candidates for the Board of Education in Arapaho-Butler, Clinton, Thomas-Fay-Custer and Weatherford Schools Custer County school districts will file Declarations of Candidacy beginning 8 a.m. Monday, December 1 2025. Ann Brown, Secretary of the

Santa and an elf wearing capes with a “Nominate a Hero” headline, $250 prize note, and the 96.5FM KECO logo.

Santa’s Christmas Heroes

About KECO 96.5FM is spotlighting locals who do selfless good. Winners receive a $250 prize from a KECO sponsor. We announce on air and share photos on the KECO Facebook page. How it works Pick a nominee,

2511051328_1971799

Cupp Enters State Chamber Hall of Fame

Elk City, OK – The Elk City Chamber’s Cupp runneth over with award-winning experience. Susie Cupp, Executive Director of Elk City’s Chamber of Commerce, was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives Hall of Fame.