An Oklahoma man faces felony charges after a high-speed motorcycle chase near Texas Motor Speedway ended in a crash that left a Roanoke police motorcycle officer in critical condition, authorities said.
Deontae Keshawn Myers, 26, of Lawton, Oklahoma, is charged with evading arrest with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury, a third-degree felony, and reckless driving, a Class B misdemeanor, according to police.
Chase Ends in Highway Crash
The crash happened around midnight on September 20 on State Highway 114 near Interstate 35W, just west of the interstate.
Roanoke police officers were conducting targeted traffic enforcement after receiving multiple complaints about motorcycles traveling at high speeds in connection with an event at the nearby Texas Motor Speedway.
A Roanoke officer riding a department motorcycle attempted to stop Myers, who was riding a 2021 Yamaha motorcycle, police said. Myers allegedly failed to stop and fled, leading to a high-speed pursuit.
During the pursuit, both Myers’ motorcycle and the officer’s motorcycle collided with a 2023 Ford Transit van. The people inside the van were not injured.
Officer Remains in Critical Condition
The Roanoke officer was taken to a local hospital following the crash and remained in critical condition Monday, police said.
Myers was also hospitalized after the collision. Police said he will be booked into the Denton County Jail after he is released from the hospital.
The charges against Myers are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Police Warn Against Unverified Fundraisers
Roanoke police said the department has received an outpouring of support from residents, former officers and law enforcement agencies following the crash.
People who want to support the officer and his family during the recovery can drop off gift cards for restaurants, groceries, gasoline, delivery services, and retailers, along with written messages of encouragement, at the Roanoke Police Department.
Police cautioned residents against donating through unverified links or third-party fundraisers. Any official fundraising efforts will be announced through the City of Roanoke or the Roanoke Police Department’s official social media accounts.
Provided by Dallas Express
