Tulsa Man Who Led Officers On Chase Has Long Criminal History

A Tulsa man remains in jail on Wednesday after police say he led them on a second high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle in the past seven days.

Clark Gatwood's history shows at least eight previous convictions for stealing vehicles and at least four convictions from running from police.

The times when he was given prison time, he served only a fraction of it.

An officer said he tried to pull over Gatwood on Tuesday along Interstate 244. He said Gatwood was driving 84 mph in a 50 mph construction zone. The officer then said he Gatwood was driving a stolen vehicle.

He said Gatwood took off and led officers on a chase down U.S. Highway 75, then he turned around and headed north again. Officers threw out some stop sticks, causing him to crash into a ditch in a neighborhood.

2/1/2016 Related Story: TPD: Another Tuesday, Another High-Speed Chase For Same Suspect

Coincidentally, exactly one week ago, police were also chasing Gatwood. That time, they say he hopped into a truck at a QuikTrip and took off and led officers on a chase, finally stopping in a church parking lot.

Records show Gatwood was released from prison two months ago on Christmas Eve.

Some people wondered why Gatwood was out of jail on bond at all after last week's chase, but bond was never meant to be punishment, because people are only accused.

How Bonds Work

Bond is only supposed to ensure people show up for their court dates and often, the amount for each crime is preset.

Even though he's now been arrested twice in a week, his bond is currently set for $17,000, although the district attorney can ask a judge to increase it.