Tulsa Police Arrest Reckless Driver Who Fled Into Woods Claiming False Labor

A Tulsa County fugitive with multiple warrants was apprehended Thursday morning following a brief chase that included a false medical emergency claim and an attempted escape into nearby woods.

The incident began when a deputy from the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle driving recklessly near the 3200 block of LL Tisdale Parkway. Upon pulling over the vehicle, the deputy encountered 32-year-old Destin Ray Rodriguez, who immediately attempted to mislead authorities.

Rodriguez initially provided a false identity to the responding officer, a tactic that would later add to his growing list of charges. In what appears to have been an attempt to create a distraction, Rodriguez also claimed that his female passenger was in labor and required immediate medical attention.

Following protocol, the deputy called for emergency medical services. Paramedics were dispatched to the scene and began evaluating the woman to determine if she was indeed experiencing labor, as Rodriguez had claimed.

It was during this medical evaluation that Rodriguez seized an opportunity to flee. While attention was focused on his passenger, he bolted from the scene and attempted to escape into a nearby wooded area.

The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office responded by deploying multiple resources to locate Rodriguez. Deputies utilized both aerial and ground-based tracking methods, including a drone unit for overhead surveillance and K9 officer Missy, who specializes in fugitive tracking.

The coordinated effort quickly proved effective. Rodriguez was located and taken into custody without further incident, bringing the brief manhunt to a successful conclusion.

A subsequent records check revealed that Rodriguez was wanted on multiple outstanding warrants. His legal troubles include charges of attempted escape from arrest, driving with a suspended license, and false impersonation—a charge that would be reinforced by his actions during the Thursday morning traffic stop.

In addition to these more serious offenses, Rodriguez also faced numerous outstanding traffic violations, though specific details of these infractions were not immediately released by the Sheriff’s Office.

This incident highlights the increasing technological capabilities of local law enforcement agencies. The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, like many departments across the country, has incorporated drone technology into their pursuit operations, allowing for enhanced surveillance capabilities with minimal personnel requirements.

The use of K9 units like Missy also remains a critical component in fugitive apprehension. Police service dogs are specifically trained to track human scents over various terrains, making them particularly effective in wooded areas where suspects may attempt to hide.

Rodriguez’s case also demonstrates a common challenge for law enforcement—the use of false identities by individuals with outstanding warrants. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 60% of fugitives attempt to use some form of identity deception when confronted by law enforcement.

Local records indicate this is not the first time Rodriguez has attempted to evade capture. The “attempted escape from arrest” warrant suggests a previous incident where he tried to flee from authorities.

Rodriguez was transported to the Tulsa County Jail following his arrest, where he will face both his outstanding charges and new offenses stemming from Thursday’s incident. He is expected to make an initial court appearance in the coming days.

The female passenger’s identity was not released by authorities, and it remains unclear whether she will face any charges related to the incident.