News On 6 Story Helps Locate Suspected Hit-And-Run Driver In Enid

An east Tulsa couple is grateful after a News On 6 story helped police catch the driver who crashed into their carport which damaged their SUV and home.

The driver left the scene, but a Crime Stoppers tip helped police find the driver 100 miles away, to Enid.

Jerry Arthurs and his wife Shirley were relieved someone knew about the crash and tipped off police. The family never thought police would find the person who crashed into their SUV and wheelchair ramp.

More than a week ago the Arthurs woke up to a pickup backing out of their carport, spinning its wheels.

3/29/2015 Related Story: Tulsa Couple Hopes For Tips On Hit-And-Run Driver

Police searched up and down 21st Street for the hit and run driver, with no luck.

"I actually didn't think they'd get caught to be honest," Jerry said.

The Arthurs filed a claim with their insurance while police continued the investigation.

Jerry and Shirley told their story about the hit and run crash to News On 6 and hoped someone would see the damaged pickup out on the road.

Days after the story aired, a tip went in to Crime Stoppers.

"We were just very ecstatic,” Jerry said. “We just couldn't believe it."

Detective Jason Hamm said the tip led police to the pickup which was sitting in a body shop in Enid.

"The case was inactivated due to no suspect information, no evidence, no leads. We got the Crime Stoppers tip in, gave us everything we needed," Hamm said.

He said the anonymous tip listed the suspect's name, address and the truck's make and model.

Jerry said, "We just, you know, didn't see anything close, and then when I found out he was in Enid, Lord help, I would of never found it.”

The Arthurs credit their family for getting the word out on the news and social media.

Shirley and Jerry are slowly putting their life back together and even found a used SUV that matched the one damaged.

It's a case Hamm was glad to bring to an end.

"We take pride in those kind of cases, being able to bring closure to them for it," Hamm said.

Jerry said, "I'd just say don't give up, have faith. It still worked out for us."

Police said the suspected hit and run driver is Steven Sharpe.

Police said he came back to Tulsa, wrote a statement and was given a ticket for misdemeanor hit and run property damage.