Texas Man Flees Law Enforcement To Get Home For Thanksgiving

A Texas man arrested after a multi-county pursuit said he was fleeing law enforcement so he could make it home for Thanksgiving.

Darrin B. Hayes, of Arlington, was stopped Nov. 21 after he crashed his vehicle in Franklin County.

The Phelps County Sheriff’s Department began pursuing Hayes, who traveled at least 120 mph in his efforts to evade authorities. 

Hayes has been charged with one count of resisting arrest — creating a substantial risk of serious injury/death.

He is being held without bond at the Franklin County Jail.

According to the probable cause statement, a Phelps County deputy tried to stop Hayes around the 184 mile marker on Interstate 44.

The vehicle had been spiked, but “run flat” tires allowed him to continue.

A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper picked up the vehicle at the 231 mile marker. Hayes accelerated to more than 120 mph and cut in between cars, creating a hazard due to his driving.

The BMW was spiked again by a trooper across the weigh scales, but Hayes continued on, exiting at the 247 mile marker.

While on Highway AT, Hayes drove off the road and into a ditch.

He was taken into custody.

A pistol was seized from his vehicle.

Hayes told the trooper he wanted to get home for Thanksgiving.

The Phelps County deputy said Hayes was stopped because the registration didn’t match the vehicle. When he tried stopping the vehicle, Hayes fled. 

The deputy later learned the registration had been entered incorrectly and returned to the vehicle.

Hayes continued driving carelessly and after a short pursuit, the case was terminated.