Metro Man Wanted On Felony Warrants Leads Officers On Lengthy Pursuit Through NW OKC

Police arrested a man on Friday following a lengthy pursuit through the metro. Authorities said Nicholas Van Brunt, 46, was wanted on felony warrants from three counties and officers found a shotgun in the backseat of his truck.

The suspect was first spotted in Warr Acres.

“Our police department was notified by Warr Acres that they were driving behind a vehicle,” said Msgt. Gary Knight, Oklahoma City Police Department. “The driver apparently had several outstanding warrants.”

Oklahoma City police caught up with Van Brunt during 5 p.m. traffic Friday evening. Van Brunt likely did not stop knowing he had felony warrants in Oklahoma, Canadian and Kay counties. The wanted driver led officers on a winding pursuit through northwest Oklahoma City. Bob Mills Sky News 9 was high over the chase for almost an hour.

“He’s definitely not going to pull over. It looks like this could be a very long pursuit here,” said Jim Gardner, Bob Mills Sky News 9 pilot.

Van Brunt avoided traffic lights and passed stopped vehicles by driving on the shoulder of the road onto the Kilpatrick Turnpike.

“The suspect got onto the turnpike, went north and eventually got off and turned back south on I-40 west,” said Knight.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers joined the pursuit once it entered the interstate. Troopers attempted a tactical vehicle intervention to stop the truck, but the TVI was unsuccessful. The wanted driver eventually pulled over into the grass.

“Looks like he finally just gave up,” said Gardner.

Van Brunt surrendered on Interstate 40 near the Rockwell exit and told police he did not stop because he did not want to go back to jail.

“The suspect was taken into custody and booked into jail,” said Knight.  

Police said Van Brunt had a passenger. That person was detained but was not arrested.