High-speed pursuit ends in man’s arrest

April 29--TAHLEQUAH -- Tahlequah police say a man who led officers on a high-speed motorcycle pursuit early Sunday morning admitted he had ditched a beer can before his arrest.

Teddy Rogers, 31, of Tahlequah, was released from jail on a $20,000 bond Monday morning. Rogers was booked into jail for driving under the influence second or subsequent, felony eluding, violation of driver's license restriction, no insurance and taxes due state.

Tahlequah Officer Cory Keele's arrest affidavit says officers were near Allen and Vinita on a separate call Sunday morning when a motorcycle sped through the area and blew through a stop sign.

Keele tried to catch up with the motorcycle, but Rogers allegedly kept driving, continuing south on Moccasin. When Rogers approached West Choctaw Street, he allegedly slowed down and turned back to look at Keele before again speeding up and heading west on Choctaw.

Rogers then allegedly reached into his pocket and threw something across the street. Rogers continued the pursuit, passing a tractor trailer that was on the side of the road. Keele said speeds reached about 80 mph and Rogers turned onto Bryant Road.

"When the driver tried to increase his speed the back end of the motorcycle slid sideways, almost causing him to fall off," Keele said.

Rogers eventually pulled into the driveway of a home and stopped. Keele said he drew his gun and ordered Rogers to show his hands. Officer Austin Yates arrived to assist Keele, and Rogers allegedly refused to comply with their commands.

Officers took Rogers to the ground and arrested him.

Rogers allegedly smelled of alcohol and asked to talk with Keele when Keele attempted to read information about the state's implied-consent test.

"[Rogers] whispered to me and said 'no one is around,' and then asked me if chasing him was fun," Keele said. "I answered him and advised him that it was dangerous."

Rogers refused to take the state's test.

Tahlequah Lt. Robert Jones recovered a cold beer where Rogers had ditched an item during the pursuit.

"I asked [Rogers] if he threw a beer can and he laughed and stated 'yes,'" Keele wrote.

Police said Rogers did not have a motorcycle endorsement on his driver's license, and also had previously been charged with DUI.

jnewton@tahlequahdailypress.com

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