PANAMA, Okla. — A suspect was arrested after allegedly leading police and deputies on a chase through eastern Oklahoma in a stolen church van.
“It wasn’t his van,” said Panama First Baptist Church Pastor Dale Lowrimore. “That van belongs to the church.”
According to LeFlore County Sheriff Rodney Derryberry, Pastor Lowrimore with Panama First Baptist Church witnessed his church van being stolen. The pastor followed the van while calling 911.
“That was our van,” said Pastor Lowrimore. “No, he’s not going to get away and I’m not going to allow this to happen.”
Lowrimore got in his truck and called the police who chased the suspect for around 45 minutes along Highway 59 until the police came. Panama police and deputies joined the chase, which made its way to Sallisaw, Oklahoma.
“The police department was there and to be honest with you when they came out it looked like a Christmas tree on Highway 59,” Pastor Lowrimore said. “I mean there is lights everywhere.”
Oklahoma High Patrol, Panama Police, Sallisaw Police, LeFlore and Sequoyah County sheriff’s deputies ended the chase about 27 miles later in Sallisaw. Sheriff Derryberry says the suspect crashed the van and ran from the scene before being tracked down.
Although the suspect who stole the van hurt members of the church. Pastor Lowrimore wants him to know he is forgiven.
“I would like to ask that of him why? I mean were you looking for a way to get home? What? Stealing is never an option," said Pastor Lowrimore. “We have no access to get people to church now. He took it away from us. I mean that was a very vital part of getting people to church.”
With Sunday services coming up, Pastor Lowrimore says he’s still working on the next steps to replace his stolen van. As of now, he says his truck will have to suffice.
The name of the suspect and the charges they are facing have not been released at this time.
Please check back for updates to this developing story.