November 4, 2021
By News Director Jared Atha
An Elk City man was arrested in Beckham County recently after leading law enforcement on a high speed pursuit.
According to authorities speeds at one point reached as high as 120 miles per hour.
A probable cause affidavit said that 36-year-old Derek Edward Rylant was observed swerving in the westbound lanes of 20th Street in Elk City by an Elk City Police Officer on patrol in the early morning hours of October 24. The report stated that Rylant would turn north onto Pioneer Avenue, where he allegedly continued to swerve. At this point the officer activated his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop, however the pickup continued northbound. Eventually while traveling westbound on 3rd Street, the pickup would reach speeds of approximately 120 miles per hour before turning north onto Merritt Road. The court document stated that Rylant would reach speeds of approximately 90 miles per hour, and 80 miles per hour. The suspect would also allegedly “brake check” the pursuing officer, causing the officer to swerve to avoid contact with the suspect’s vehicle.
Later the suspect would reportedly “brake check” another pursuing officer, this time making contact. This would cause Rylant to lose control of the pickup, veer off into a ditch where it would come to rest on the pickup’s driver side.
The report stated that Rylant had to be extracted through the passenger side window. Officer’s noted that Rylant had a smell of alcohol coming from his person.
Rylant was placed in hand restraints and eventually transferred to Great Plains Regional Medical Center where he would consent to a blood test while being evaluated for injuries.
Rylant was arrested and charged on October 27 with one count of endangering others while eluding or attempt to elude police, driving under the influence of alcohol, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
Bond for Rylant was set at $30,000. His next court date is scheduled for December 6.
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