Governor Signs Bill Over Murder Charges In Police Chases

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A new law allows prosecutors to file first-degree murder charges against anyone who attempts to elude police and causes a deadly accident.<br/><br/>Governor Brad Henry Thursday held

Thursday, October 26th 2006, 3:22 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A new law allows prosecutors to file first-degree murder charges against anyone who attempts to elude police and causes a deadly accident.

Governor Brad Henry Thursday held a ceremonial signing of the Dragus-Whetsel law which passed the state Legislature earlier this year.

The law is named for Oklahoma City Police Sergeant Jonathon Dragus and the wife and daughter of Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel.

Dragus died last year after his patrol car hit a tree as he was chasing a stolen motorcycle. Whetsel's wife and daughter were killed in 1980 when their car was hit by an Oklahoma Highway Patrol car that was also chasing a motorcycle.