9-Year-Old Nearly Hit During Pursuit With Tulsa Burglary Suspect

A fleeing burglary suspect narrowly missed a child before slamming into the back of another man's truck, forcing him off the road.

Police have the suspect in custody.

Police were just about to serve a warrant to David Bender who is suspected of several burglaries near 138 East Street when officers say he jumped in his car and led them on a high-speed chase.

"She held onto me, and I said 'I don't want to die,'" said 9-year-old Jace Harrigill.

Harrigill was in his driveway when he heard a car heading towards him.

"Next thing I know, he's like really, really, really close to me, to hitting me," he said.

The 9 year old jumped for his life as Jace’s mom, Audette, watched in horror.

"All of a sudden, silver car speeding down my street right towards my son," she said.

Then, she jumped into action. Audette said she grabbed her son and threw him into the garage.

After the suspect swerved to narrowly miss Jace, he then careened across the street before slamming into a mailbox.

Officer City Murphy said that’s when Bender made his way out towards 31st Street.

"He took off at a fast rate of speed and started going through people's yards," Murphy said.

Police said Bender went west on 31st Street before slamming into the back of another truck, forcing that driver, Danny Nimmo, off the road.

"I see this gray car coming up behind me pretty fast," Nimmo said. "It was a little bit of a surprise. I don't think I would have been able to make the maneuver if I didn't see him coming."

Bender ran from the scene and was eventually caught by police several blocks away.

Once she had a moment to reflect on how close her son was to getting hit, Audette said she broke down.

“I know what I almost lost. Just very thankful to TPD that they were able to catch him," she said.

Officers said Bender has multiple charges pending and that they found a gun and drugs in the car.

A female passenger was also in Bender’s car. Police said she was taken to the hospital for minor injuries.

No one else was hurt during the chase.