A late-morning investigation in Vian escalated into a high-speed pursuit on Feb. 2 after a driver allegedly sped toward an officer, fled through town at nearly 80 miles per hour, and later attempted to escape on foot before being taken into custody.
According to an affidavit filed by Vian Police Chief Mark Harkins, he and Vian Police officer Cassandra Perceful were working an investigative assignment near 210 E. Sequoyah Street when the incident unfolded.
Perceful reportedly heard a disturbance near 206 E. Sequoyah and shouted “stop” as a gold Chevrolet Impala allegedly accelerated toward her at a high rate of speed.
The vehicle narrowly missed striking her and nearly pinned her between the car and her marked patrol unit, the report stated.
Chief Harkins, who had just entered his patrol vehicle, activated his emergency lights and began pursuit.
The Impala allegedly failed to stop at multiple stop signs, including intersections at Sequoyah and Mittie Martin Streets and Mittie Martin and Lee Streets, before accelerating northbound.
The report states the vehicle reached speeds of about 80 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone, and continued toward the sharp curve locally known as “pin hook.”
Several oncoming vehicles were forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision as the pursuit continued for four to six miles along narrow two-lane roads.
The chase ended when the driver cut through a field and crashed into a pile of rocks in the yard of a residence later confirmed to be his own.
The driver, identified as Clenton McCoy, fled on foot toward a wooded area behind the home.
Chief Harkins pursued McCoy on foot but was confronted by a large black pit bull that growled before biting him on the right calf. Harkins retreated to his patrol unit to await backup, noting the dog appeared to return toward McCoy.
Troopers and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Agent Tyler Reagan responded and conducted a tracking operation using a canine unit.
Officers later reported hearing five gunshots. Authorities stated the pit bull charged responding officers and was shot due to its aggressive behavior.
McCoy was apprehended in the wooded area and placed in custody without further incident.
While speaking with McCoy, officers reported signs of alleged intoxication, including the odor of alcohol.
According to the report, McCoy admitted he had been drinking and stated he “just needed to get home.” He also reportedly admitted seeing Officer Perceful in the roadway as he sped past.
McCoy agreed to a state-requested blood test and was transported to the hospital in Sallisaw, where the test was administered in accordance with statutory procedures.
The blood evidence was sealed and will be submitted to the state crime lab for analysis.
Authorities also discovered McCoy had an outstanding warrant in Sequoyah County for failure to appear on charges including trafficking in illegal drugs, possession of paraphernalia and transporting an open container of beer, with a total bond of $52,000.
McCoy was transported to the Sequoyah County Jail without further incident.
He has been charged with endangering others while eluding or attempting to elude police officer, driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, and battery, assault and battery on a police officer.
McCoy is now scheduled for a March 4 felony disposition docket in Sequoyah Coutny District Court, according to court records.
Chief Harkins was treated at the hospital for the dog bite and later released.
