ADAIR COUNTY, Okla. (KFSM) -- The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation released the names of a Westville, Oklahoma police officer injured during a vehicle pursuit and the suspect involved in the chase.
Westville Officer Joshua Sidebottom was taken by medical helicopter to Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas in critical condition after he was struck by a Dodge Durango Monday night, according to OSBI.
On Tuesday (Dec. 15), OSBI identified the suspect in the chase as Brandon Dale Rowan, 35, of Westville.
The pursuit started in Stillwell, Oklahoma after an Adair County Sheriff's Office deputy tried to stop Rowan for a non-functioning taillight, according to OSBI. Rowan, who had an outstanding warrant and a lengthy criminal record, fled from the deputy through Stillwell and into Westville, according to OSBI.
The chase topped speeds of 110 miles per hour.
Officers tried to stop Rowan at several intersections and had to detour other vehicles, according to OSBI. At least one officer fired his gun at the vehicle to stop it. No one was hit by the gunfire.
At the intersection of Buffington Road and U.S. Highway 59, Rowan hit Officer Joshua Sidebottom, who was standing outside his vehicle.
"[Rowan] was running several people off the road, so we ran the road block," Captain Doug Inman with the Adair County Sheriff's Office said. "He came up to this intersection at Buffington Road and U.S. Highway 59 and that's when he struck a Westville police officer."
Sidebottom underwent surgery Tuesday morning and is in critical, but stable condition, according to OSBI.
Rowan came to a stop a few miles north of where he hit Sidebottom and was arrested, according to OSBI.
Rowan's criminal record includes arrest for eluding a police officer, carrying a firearm after a conviction, kidnapping, possession of a controlled substance and domestic assault and battery, according to OSBI.
According to the Adair County Sheriff's Office, there was a woman in the SUV with Rowan, but she jumped from the vehicle before Rowan stuck Sidebottom.
The sheriff's office said Rowan was arrested on suspicion of the following charges:
- eluding a police officer
- damage or injury to property
- assault and battery of a police officer
- running a road block
- assault and battery with a deadly weapon
Sidebottom's family and friends have been changing their profile pictures on Facebook in honor of the officer.
A Go Fund Me page for Sidebottom and his family was also created Tuesday. It states:
"Josh Sidebottom is a Westville officer who was injured in the line of duty. A civilian was running from police in his vehicle when he allegedly struck Josh doing a high rate of speed. Josh was air lifted from the scene and transported to Washington Regional where he has multiple injuries and has undergone surgery. This campaign is to help raise money for his family during this time of need. His wife Taylor and four children can use all the financial help they can get in this difficult time. Thank you for your donations!"
A family friend said Sidebottom is 24.
Rowan is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday (Dec. 23).