A driver who led law enforcement officers in a high speed pursuit that reportedly started in Perkins and ended at the Dale Middle School has pleaded not guilty.
The pursuit went partially through a local farmer’s wheat field.
The driver, identified as Roderick David Pope, Jr., 34, was finally arrested by Pottawatomie County deputies as he attempted to flee after crashing his car into an awning at the Dale Middle School.
On April 3, Pope was formally charged in Lincoln County District Court with felony eluding/attempting to elude police officer, unauthorized use of a vehicle and driving without a valid driver’s license, a misdemeanor.
Appearing for his arraignment on Dec. 19 before District Judge John Canavan, Pope entered a not guilty plea.
His cause was set for the felony disposition docket at 9 a.m. May 7, 2024.
The pursuit reportedly reached speeds of 105 miles per hour and the vehicle being pursued was stolen. The pursuit spanned over parts of three counties, Lincoln, Pottawatomie and Payne.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy James Robinson said in a probable cause affidavit the vehicle was stolen from the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee.
Dale School Supt. Will Jones said in April, “No buildings were damaged, just an awning is all. The damage is minimal,” Jones noted.
“Pretty minor with all the factors considered,” he believed.
A wheat field, owned by Robert Nowakowski, longtime area farmer, did sustain some damage.
Nowakowski said that wheat field runs right up to the west side of the Dale School property and sustained some damage,