Weatherford, OK – A Yukon man faces two felony charges and four misdemeanor counts following an Aug. 1 pursuit that authorities allege reached speeds of 130 mph before ending with a vehicle crashing into the Washita River near Clinton.
Trae Michael Schiele, 32, was charged Aug. 4 in Custer County District Court with felony counts of endangering others while eluding or attempting to elude a police officer and driving under the influence. He also faces misdemeanor charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license and obstructing an officer.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in the case, a Weatherford police officer spotted a silver Toyota Camry near Washington and Main streets in Weatherford at approximately 2:34 p.m. Aug. 1. The officer reported the vehicle had an expired registration and showed no insurance through a records check.
The officer activated emergency lights and the vehicle initially stopped near Eads and Washington. According to the affidavit, the driver then pulled away before the officer could exit the patrol vehicle.
The pursuit continued westbound onto Interstate 40, where the Toyota allegedly passed multiple vehicles at speeds exceeding 90 mph before entering a single-lane construction zone. After leaving the construction zone, authorities allege the vehicle accelerated to as much as 130 mph.
An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper joined the pursuit near mile marker 71. The Toyota later exited I-40 at mile marker 69 and continued into Clinton along Route 66 and Gary Boulevard.
According to the affidavit, the pursuit continued through Clinton before the Toyota left the roadway, traveled through a fence and entered a field. The vehicle eventually reached the Washita River, where authorities said it went over an approximately 15-foot drop and crashed into the river, disabling the vehicle.
Officers reported finding the driver's door open and no driver inside. A shoe was found near the vehicle, while a matching shoe was later seen floating down the river. Officers followed footprints along the river and its bank while searching for the driver.
Police later received word that Clinton officers were pursuing a barefoot person near Lucky Star Casino. Schiele was subsequently taken into custody.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Schiele allegedly told police he ran "because I didn't want to go to jail" and said he knew he did not have a driver's license.
The affidavit states Schiele later told an officer he had smoked methamphetamine at approximately 6 a.m. that morning. During a search of the Toyota, police reported finding a small bag containing a white crystal substance and a makeshift glass pipe with burnt white residue in the center console.
According to the affidavit, a field test of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine. Schiele was also taken to Weatherford Regional Hospital for a blood draw and medical clearance before being taken to the Weatherford jail.
Court records also allege Schiele had a previous DUI conviction in Canadian County from June 2024.
A Custer County judge found probable cause and set Schiele's bond at $25,000.
The charges are allegations, and Schiele is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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