Photo courtesy of Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office
WAGONER, OKLA. (KTUL) — The Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a fugitive who escaped deputies following a crash and foot pursuit earlier this week.
Deputies were called to a two-vehicle collision just before 6:50 a.m. on January 22, 2026, along State Highway 51 near South 385th East Avenue outside Coweta.
Authorities say when deputies attempted to arrest Howard, he ran across several lanes of traffic, leading to a foot chase.
A taser was deployed during the pursuit, but Howard continued running and disappeared into a wooded area.
Multiple agencies, including a Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, searched the area but were unable to locate him.
Later that morning, around 9:40 a.m., deputies were alerted that the same vehicle involved in the crash had been stopped by an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper on the Muskogee Turnpike near mile marker 6.
Investigators say the fugitive again fled on foot from the vehicle.
The driver was identified as David Howard of Hulbert, the suspect’s brother.
Deputies determined he had knowingly helped Darren Howard evade law enforcement. David Howard was arrested and booked into the Wagoner County Detention Center on a charge of harboring a fugitive.
The Sheriff’s Office says additional warrants will be sought for Darren G. Howard related to this incident, and charges may be filed against others accused of assisting him.
Officials thanked multiple agencies for their help, including Coweta Fire and Police, Wagoner County Emergency Management, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Tulsa Police Department, and Wagoner County E-911 Dispatch.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about Darren G. Howard or his whereabouts is asked to contact the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office at 918-485-3124.
Authorities say he is known to frequent the Hulbert area in Cherokee County.
