A routine traffic stop for an expired tag at 10:39 p.m. Thursday resulted in the vehicle’s driver attempting to flee, and then wrecking the vehicle. The man was taken into custody and sent to the hospital for evaluation.
Newcastle Police said Kenneth Skaggs, 38, of Tuttle, is now facing charges of DUI, felony eluding, improper lane use, and speeding. The vehicle he was driving was impounded and the investigation is ongoing.
A Newcastle Police report states that on December 11, 2025, at approximately 10:39 p.m., a Newcastle Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on a black Jeep Grand Cherokee near the 300 block of N.E. 24th street for an expired tag. During the stop, the officer observed signs of impairment from the driver, identified as 38-year-old Kenneth Skaggs.
When asked to exit the vehicle for further investigation, Skaggs placed the vehicle in drive and fled at a high rate of speed from the traffic stop.
Officers from the Newcastle Police Department, along with assistance from the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department, initiated a pursuit as the vehicle traveled north onto the I-44 service road and then onto I-44.
While traveling northbound on I-44, Skaggs lost control of his vehicle near Exit 109, leaving the roadway and rolling several times before coming to rest approximately 65 yards off the highway. Newcastle Police said officers quickly reached the crashed vehicle, located Skaggs inside, and provided aid to Skaggs.
The driver sustained injuries and was transported to an Oklahoma City-area hospital where he was evaluated and admitted in stable condition. Based on statements made at the scene, Skaggs indicated the crash may have been intentional, Police said.
Skaggs faces multiple charges including DUI (second/ subsequent), eluding, improper lane use, speeding, and expired tag. The vehicle was impounded, and the investigation remains ongoing.
