Police pursuit ends in fatal crash, claiming life of Harrah assault suspect
MIDWEST CITY, Oklahoma — Authorities have identified the suspect who passed following a high-speed police pursuit that ended in a fatal crash Monday night, November 3, 2025, in Midwest City. According to the Midwest City Police Department, the suspect, 32-year-old Derrick Allen Thompson of Oklahoma City, was pronounced deceased at the scene after fleeing officers in a stolen vehicle. The incident stemmed from an earlier assault and vehicle theft reported in Harrah, located in Oklahoma County.
The chain of events began around 8:10 p.m. when Oklahoma County dispatch received a 911 call reporting an assault at the Dollar General store on Harrah Road. Witnesses told investigators that a man, later identified as Derrick Thompson, attacked a store employee with a metal pipe during a confrontation in the parking lot. The victim, 48-year-old Michael Warren of Harrah, sustained injuries to his arm and head but was later treated and released from Mercy Hospital.
Following the assault, Thompson allegedly fled the scene in a stolen silver Nissan Altima belonging to a customer who had briefly stepped inside the store. Officers from the Harrah Police Department issued a be-on-the-lookout (BOLO) alert for the vehicle, which was spotted approximately 25 minutes later by a Choctaw Police officer traveling westbound on NE 23rd Street.
When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to comply and accelerated, initiating a pursuit that continued west toward Midwest City. Speeds during the chase reportedly exceeded 90 miles per hour, with the suspect weaving through traffic and ignoring multiple red lights. Several agencies, including Midwest City Police, Oklahoma County deputies, and Oklahoma Highway Patrol, joined the pursuit in an attempt to stop the vehicle safely.
The chase came to a tragic end near the intersection of SE 29th Street and Air Depot Boulevard when the stolen Nissan struck a concrete median and collided head-on with a light pole. The impact caused the vehicle to overturn, trapping the driver inside. Responding officers and Midwest City Fire Department crews worked to extricate Thompson from the wreckage. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the scene by paramedics at approximately 8:54 p.m.
No other vehicles were involved in the collision, and no bystanders were injured. Investigators later confirmed that Derrick Thompson had multiple outstanding warrants, including charges for burglary, assault, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Police also recovered a metal pipe inside the wrecked vehicle, believed to be the weapon used in the Harrah assault.
Midwest City Police Chief Sid Porter addressed the media Tuesday morning, extending condolences to all affected by the tragic events. “This incident unfolded quickly and ended in a loss of life,” Porter said. “Our officers followed pursuit policy, but unfortunately, the suspect’s reckless actions left no opportunity for a peaceful resolution.”
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has been asked to review the incident as part of standard protocol following fatalities involving police pursuits. The Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office will also conduct an independent assessment of the pursuit procedures to ensure compliance with departmental guidelines.
Residents in the area reported hearing sirens and a loud crash just moments before police flooded the intersection. One witness, Carla Jenkins, who lives nearby, said, “It sounded like an explosion. I ran outside and saw police everywhere. It was scary knowing how fast he was going through here.”
The suspect’s family was notified late Monday night. In a brief statement, relatives expressed sorrow over the circumstances, saying that Derrick Thompson had struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues for several years. “We’re heartbroken,” the family said. “We wish he had gotten the help he needed before this happened.”
The Harrah Police Department confirmed that the initial assault victim, Michael Warren, is recovering and expected to make a full physical recovery. Officers have praised the quick response of witnesses who provided critical information that helped authorities identify the suspect.
The crash site remained closed for several hours as investigators documented the scene and cleared debris. Power to the area was temporarily disrupted due to the damaged utility pole but was restored by OG&E crews later that night.
As of Tuesday, the official cause of death for Derrick Allen Thompson is pending autopsy results from the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Authorities have not indicated any sign of impairment but noted that toxicology testing is underway.
This tragic sequence of events highlights the dangerous consequences of fleeing law enforcement. Midwest City Police have reiterated their commitment to public safety while urging suspects to surrender peacefully when approached by officers.
The investigation remains ongoing, with final reports expected to be released in the coming weeks by OSBI and Midwest City Police.
