Police Thwart Possible Gang Fight At Mohawk Park; Arrest 3 With Assault Rifle

Police arrested three teenagers Sunday after getting a tip about a gang fight.

Police said they received a 911 call at about 4:30 p.m., alerting them to a fight that was planned at Mohawk Park. According to the caller, several people were headed to the park with a gun, police said.

"In Mohawk Park, lots of families gather out there on a Sunday, so that was our biggest concern -- to make sure that we did not have a shooting where multiple people could possibly be hurt," Tulsa Police Captain Karen Tipler said.

At the park, police officers spotted the car described by the tipster and initiated a stop. The driver stopped the Cadillac, but as the officer approached, he sped away, Tipler said.

Police gave chase as the driver went west on 36th Street North. Police were able to deflate the tires using stop sticks, but the driver continued driving to the 3000 block of North Lewis Avenue.

"In this case, they really had nothing to lose [by running from police]," Tipler said. "That's the way most criminals think."

Tipler said the highest speeds reached were about 40 mph, but the department was grateful to have the police helicopter also tracking the car. The helicopter offered insurance in case patrol vehicles needed to bail out of the situation because of public safety, she said.

"It's always a concern when innocent people are around," Tipler said.

TPD arrested three juveniles without incident and recovered an AK-47-style rifle from the vehicle.

When asked if the event was thought to be gang-related, Tipler said it was possible and the investigation will continue.

"Some of the officers said they did see the driver -- while the tires were deflating -- throwing up gang signs out of the window," Tipler said.