Motorcyclist In 40-Mile Police Chase Identified

Brandi Ball, NewsOn6.com

PAWNEE COUNTY, Oklahoma -- The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says it has arrested a motorcyclist after he led authorities on a more than 40-mile chase that at times reached 150 mph.

The motorcyclist was identified Monday as Michael B. Bates.

After 9 p.m. Sunday, Tulsa Police attempted a traffic stop at Interstate 244 and Sheridan Avenue, but the speeding motorcyclist didn't pull over, police say.

The driver led TPD on a chase down U.S. Highway 412, which ended when the bike was involved in a low-speed collision on the Cimarron Turnpike between the toll gate and the Pawnee exit.

TPD was also following the chase with a surveillance helicopter, then the Oklahoma Highway Patrol took over west of Tulsa.

The collision occurred when the driver began driving down a closed construction lane on the turnpike.

"The motorcycle driver initially drove off the roadway through a construction area to get onto a newly finished road area that's not open yet," said OHP Trooper Kyle Borden, "and when he did -  at a very low speed - lost control of the motorcycle.

"Shortly after, I took him into custody."

Authorities found drugs on the man and say he has outstanding warrants. 

OHP says the motorcyclist was injured during the incident and was taken by ambulance for medical treatment.