By Kirk McCracken
Like a scene out of one of the “Fast and Furious” movies, Tulsa Police had to chase down four stolen cars at the same time and one of the vehicles burst into flames.
On Monday, Jan. 5, Tulsa Police Officers responded to an auto theft in progress at 918 Wrecker near 48th and S. 35th West Ave., after security cameras showed several individuals stealing four cars and a trailer from the lot. The business owner reportedly found the gate open, and four vehicles and a trailer were missing. The video showed it took several individuals only 30 minutes to take the vehicles off the lot.
On Tuesday night, an officer patrolling the area near 71st and Riverside started following one of the stolen vehicles, a GMC Sierra pickup truck. The officer initiated a traffic stop, but the driver ignored the lights and sirens and led officers on a short chase onto Highway 75. The driver, 41-year old Justin Hixson was the driver of the stolen vehicle and refused to stop for police. The chase ended when Hixson tried to exit onto I-44, lost control, drove off the exit ramp, and hit a concrete barrier before the truck burst into flames.
He was able to crawl out of the back window while the vehicle was engulfed in flames, but officers took him into custody. He was arrested on complaints of Possession of a Stolen Vehicle and Eluding and could face additional charges pending further investigation.
Police say the other three stolen vehicles and trailer have been recovered.
