Oklahoma Man Killed In Pursuit Was Retired Army Sergeant

Dee Duren, NewsOn6.com

CRAIG COUNTY, Oklahoma -- A retired U.S. Army soldier from Lawton was killed in a high speed pursuit Thursday evening near the Vinita McDonald's in Craig County. His identity was released Friday by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Lamont Rainwater of Lawton died in a crash after his Toyota Camry hit a cement barrier near the McDonald's entrance ramp on eastbound I-44.

Rainwater was a retired staff sergeant with the U.S. Army, according to Ft. Sill spokesperson Emily Kelley.

"I don't have an exact date, but he retired within the last couple of months," she said.

An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper tried to pull Rainwater over for an unsafe lane change, but the 42-year-old man sped up instead, according to the report.

Speeds reached as high as 115 mph before Rainwater drove onto the outside shoulder of the highway and hit the cement barrier.

7/21/2011 Related Story: Driver Killed In High Speed Pursuit On I-44 In Craig County

The Camry rolled, and Rainwater was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene from massive injuries.

The collision report does not say why Rainwater might have refused to pull over. His condition at the time of the accident is listed as unknown.

Rainwater's last assignment was as a Warrior Transition Unit squad leader, overseeing soldiers who are awaiting a medical discharge due to injury or illness, Kelley said.

The accident continues to be investigated by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.