OHP Trooper: Motorcyclist Eluding Arrest Crashes Head First Into Tulsa Sign

Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers say a man possibly under the influence of narcotics led them on a high speed chase before crashing Sunday.

Authorities say they tried to pull the motorcyclist over for speeding on westbound Interstate 44 near 21st Street a little before 10 a.m.

"The motorcycle then accelerated and attempted to elude the trooper," said Trooper Leonard McMillan, OHP.

The biker left the highway, driving towards east Tulsa on 31st Street. He drove through a couple of parking lots before crashing into a street sign as he turned onto Mingo.

"As he lost control, he came off the motorcycle, was ejected and hit the sign with his helmet," McMillan said. If he hadn't been wearing a helmet, they would be conducting a different investigation, the trooper said.

Trooper McMillan said they are investigating whether the man is under the influence of narcotics or other medications. The man was combative and could be heard screaming at troopers and medical personnel. He was injured and taken to a Tulsa hospital.

McMillan said likely charges include speeding, eluding arrest, and resisting arrest. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues, he said.