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By TYLER GASKILL
Courier Staff

An Oklahoma man was arrested following a lengthy police pursuit in Cowley County early Thursday morning.

Jay T. Laymon, possibly of Stillwater, was arrested on 232nd Rd. west of Cowley 3 (31st Rd.) after fleeing police for over an hour in two separate chases that covered more than 70 miles of Cowley County roads, streets and highways.

Winfield Police Officer Tom Campbell attempted to stop the dark blue Dodge pickup Laymon was driving after observing the truck traveling over 50 mph in a 35 mph zone on South Main in Winfield, early reports indicated. The pickup pulled into the Dillon's parking lot, appearing to pull over to comply with Campbell.

Shortly after Campbell initiated the traffic stop, the chase was on.

Rather than stopping, the truck sped off, heading southbound out of Winfield on U.S. 77 and reaching speeds in excess of 90 mph. Soon, additional Winfield Police officers and Cowley County Sheriff's deputies joined Campbell in attempting to get Laymon to stop the truck.

Laymon continued south on U.S. 77 until arriving at Strother Field, where he led authorities on a wild course through the industrial park and municipal airport. At one point, it was reported Laymon had driven the truck onto the tarmac, or runway.

After finding his way out of Strother Field, Laymon crossed over U.S. 77 and continued east onto Cowley 20 (212th Rd.), where he led authorities down several county roads. Laymon reportedly traveled down several roads that had no outlet, forcing him to take the pickup through fields and pastures in the area.

Laymon was reportedly turning off his headlights in an attempt to slip from the grip of the pursuing patrol cars.

Authorities continued chasing Laymon southbound on 101st toward U.S. 166, just east of Arkansas City. At this point, all Winfield Police officers withdrew from the pursuit, leaving the deputies in command.