Man Streams Live On Facebook While Being Chased In Stolen Tulsa Police Car

Monday, October 31st 2016, 10:01 pm

By: News On 6

A man is in jail after police say he led them on a chase in a stolen patrol car Monday night, and streamed it on Facebook Live.

Tulsa police say it started in downtown Tulsa in the 200 block of South Detroit Avenue around 8:00 p.m. Police say an officer left her keys in her unlocked patrol car during a coffee break.

They say that's when John Pinney, 25, walked up and swiped the car.

Tulsa police sergeant Steve Stoltz said a woman called 911 and told the dispatcher a man got into a police car near 5th and Denver, asked if she wanted a ride, then drove off when she said no.

Multiple agencies responded. Stoltz said Pinney drove at high speeds all over Tulsa County; towards Sand Springs, Owasso, Sperry and Skiatook.

Following reports of a stolen patrol car chase near 97th E Ave. Several officers chasing. @NewsOn6 pic.twitter.com/NxOQP5X7kc — Annie Chang (@AnnieNewsOn6) November 1, 2016

The chase lasted 30 to 40 minutes and police say speeds reached more than 120 miles per hour.

Tulsa officers lost the vehicle briefly but then Skiatook police found it and chased him to the 14200 block of North 88th East Avenue. Stoltz said the home belongs to the suspect's parents.

Police chase stopped near 14200 N 86th E Ave near Collinsville. DOZENS of patrol cars on scene. @NewsOn6 pic.twitter.com/SbkWDxapcF — Annie Chang (@AnnieNewsOn6) November 1, 2016

Along the way, Pinney used the officer's iPad to stream what he was doing on Facebook Live; in the video he sings, brags about the chase and turns on the siren.

When asked about people live streaming crimes, Stoltz said, "I would encourage every criminal out there to Facebook Live their crimes so that we can catch you a lot easier and use that Facebook Live at your trial to get a better conviction."

The sergeant said Pinney is a felon and will likely be facing multiple charges. Police said Pinney had a bloody nose but didn't need to go to the hospital. No one else was hurt.

Police booked him into the Tulsa County Jail on nine complaints, including eluding, resisting arrest and possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to Oklahoma Department of Corrections records, Pinney has a long criminal record. He was sentenced to four years in prison in June of 2014 for Tulsa County convictions on charges of receiving stolen property, malicious injury to property and possession of a stolen vehicle.

He was sentenced to five years probation in September of 2013 for stealing a vehicle in Rogers County.

On June 3, 2016, he received a four-year suspended sentence in Tulsa County for assaulting a police officer.

The Tulsa Police Department has not said whether the officer whose car was stolen will face any disciplinary action for leaving the keys in the car.