OHP: Warrants Issued For Tulsa Man Who Left Wife For Dead At Crash Scene

Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers are looking for a man they say crashed his car while drunk and left the scene, including his wife who was paralyzed from the neck down.

Warrants have been issued for Jerry Arthurs' arrest. Records show Arthurs had two previous DUIs before the crash on New Year's Eve that injured his wife and the mother of his then 2-month-old son.

Ten warrants have been issued, including: Leaving the scene of an injury accident; DUI causing great bodily injury; furnishing alcohol to a person under 21; fail to render aid at the scene of an accident; fail to report a personal injury accident; giving beer to a minor; driving while suspended; failure to maintain security verification (insurance); failure to wear seatbelt; and failure to submit to drug/alcohol testing after accident resulting in injury.

Witnesses say Arthurs had been drinking and was driving fast on a dark country road when he smashed into a tree, his wife in the passenger seat. Neither was wearing a seatbelt.

They say he called friends to come get him and he left her there. She was in the hospital for 33 days. At first, she could feel nothing but her face and was diagnosed as a quadriplegic.

Four months later, she has feeling down to her toes, can use her arms and hands a little and is even getting some movement back in her legs.

"Now, I can lift my legs and kick them out," Chiane said. "I can walk with a walker, not by myself, I have to have assistance. But I can take steps and stuff."

She has filed for divorce.

Troopers say Jerry didn't surface for weeks after the crash. Now, he's been charged with several crimes including a DUI crash causing great bodily harm and driving with a suspended license.

He recently posted on his Facebook page: "Im clyde u what me come and get some." (sic) "Im a solo lost my bonnie im down." (sic)

"When people flee injury crashes, it makes the situation worse," OHP Lieutenant George Brown said. "Now he's a fugitive on the run, and we'll spare no expense finding this person."

As for Chiane, her only worry is getting better for her son and taking it one day at a time. Some days have been a struggle. She even tried to commit suicide.

"You cannot imagine the struggle and emotional and physical pain and everything that comes with an injury like this," Chiane said. "It completely turns your life upside down."

Chiane believes God has a purpose for her life and has great praise for all the people who have treated and supported her and her family.

Jerry Arthurs' attorney said he'll have Arthurs turn himself in.

Anyone with information which leads to the arrest of Arthurs may receive a cash reward from the Tulsa Area Crime Commission. People are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS and callers may remain anonymous.