UPDATE: Chase Suspects Still At Large

September 15, 2023

Beckham Co. Sheriff’s Office Press Release

Three suspects were taken into custody as a result of a Texas pursuit that entered Beckham County early this morning. After Texas units lost sight of the vehicle, Beckham County deputies re-initiated the pursuit when they spotted the vehicle blowing through the stop sign at Sweetwater.

Units used StopSticks to disable the vehicle near the US 283 and SH6 junction. The vehicle then pulled into a lease road just southeast of that junction and the occupants fled in different directions.

Beckham County’s drone and K-9 units aided in the ensuing search. The drone operator, using infrared cameras, located three subjects who were hiding in various places in the pasture and wooded areas a few hundred yards from the car. Those three were taken into custody without incident. The car is believed to be stolen from New Mexico.

“We don’t have a definitive head-count, but we believe it is likely there were others in the vehicle besides those we caught,” Sheriff Derek Manning said. “We are maintaining patrol units in the area for the remainder of the day and through the night.”

Manning said there were no indications of any weapons, but residents should use caution and not approach any strangers they spot in the area.

Residents in the area north and northeast of Sayre between SH 6 and Interstate 40 are advised to make sure vehicles and buildings on their property are secure, and report any suspicious activity or persons immediately by calling 911 or 580-928-2121. “We’ll be patrolling the area all night, and we’ll be prepared to respond quickly to any calls,” Manning said.

Any suspects remaining from the pursuit are believed to be Hispanic males and may not speak English.

Manning thanked the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Roger Mills County Sheriff Brian Smith and his deputies for aiding in the search.