Officer Chases Fleeing Suspect Over a Fence

A routine police pursuit in Moore, Oklahoma, quickly turned into a foot chase when a suspected stolen vehicle came to a stop near a church. The driver abandoned the vehicle and ran through a residential area, forcing officers to follow him over multiple fences.

THE SUSPECT ABANDONS THE CAR

The incident happened on May 19, 2024, near NW 12th Street and Janeway Avenue. Moore Police officers were pursuing a vehicle reported as stolen when the 20-year-old driver, later identified as Dontavious Smith, pulled into a nearby church parking lot.

Instead of surrendering, Smith jumped out and climbed over a homeowner's fence.

THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT BEHIND AS THE PURSUIT IMMEDIATELY TURNED INTO A FOOT CHASE.

OFFICERS FOLLOW OVER THE FENCE

Bodycam footage shows officers attempting to use a Taser as the suspect continued running through the neighborhood. Officers then climbed and moved through the fence in an effort to keep up with him.

Sergeant Justin Sternberg arrived moments later and faced a damaged section of wooden fencing blocking his path.

Rather than stopping to climb over it, Sternberg lowered his shoulder and ran directly through the fence.

THE FENCE COULDN'T STOP THE OFFICER FROM CONTINUING THE PURSUIT.

THE CHASE CONTINUES THROUGH BACKYARDS

After breaking through the fence, Sternberg continued chasing Smith across the property. Officers encountered additional fences as the suspect tried to escape.

Sternberg eventually caught up with him and made a tackle. During the final struggle, both the officer and suspect were reportedly affected by a Taser deployment before Smith was taken into custody.

Police later reported finding a firearm and a bag of marijuana inside the stolen vehicle. Smith was taken to the Cleveland County Jail.

THE DAMAGED FENCE BECOMES PART OF THE STORY

The homeowners initially had no idea why a large section of their fence had been destroyed. According to KOCO, the family only learned that their property had been involved in the pursuit after being shown the police footage.

Sternberg later offered to help repair the damaged fence, while Moore Police said the city and homeowners could work together on the repairs.