Trooper Hayden Darst #447 is recovering in the hospital after being involved in a crash Wednesday night. Just before 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, the Ardmore Police Department contacted OHP Troop F to advise of a pursuit on Interstate 35 southbound from the 33-mile marker. They advised dispatch the vehicle went eastbound on US-70 and requested OHP assistance.
Trooper Darst became the primary unit in the pursuit on US-77 southbound from US-70. Trooper Darst began to set up to perform a tactical vehicle intervention near US-77 and Sunny Ridge. The suspect deliberately turned into Trooper Darst’s vehicle, causing both cars to crash, and Trooper Darst’s vehicle to catch on fire.
OHP says they are extremely grateful to officers with the Ardmore Police Department on scene who helped pull Trooper Darst from his burning vehicle as well as other agencies in the area who have reached out to provide support. They also appreciate the support of the Oklahoma First Responder Wellness Division during this time.
The suspect was arrested on scene, taken to the hospital to be treated, and then booked into the Carter County Detention Center. Trooper Darst suffered serious injuries, but thankfully, none of them are considered life-threatening.
Trooper Hayden Darst
