06/12/2026
DUI Suspect Arrested Following Hit-and-Run Investigation
Overnight, Pryor Creek Police Officers were investigating a hit-and-run collision on Park Street after a vehicle struck a mailbox and left the scene.
A short time later, Officers Gibson and McCall located the suspected vehicle on the east side of Whitaker Park. During their contact with the driver, Joseph Lee Campbell, 31, of Pryor, officers observed signs of alcohol impairment, but Campbell was uncooperative with the investigation.
Campbell attempted to flee in the vehicle before abandoning it and running from officers on foot. After a short foot pursuit, officers took Campbell into custody without further incident.
During the pursuit, officers observed Campbell discard an item towards Whitaker Park pond in what appeared to be an attempt to conceal or destroy evidence. Based on the circumstances at the time, officers believed the item could have been a firearm. Due to the potential risk a discarded firearm could pose to children, anglers, and other members of the public utilizing the park, officers immediately began searching the area.
Officers conducted an extensive search, but were unable to locate the item and believed it had entered the pond. Out of an abundance of caution, the Pryor Creek Police Department requested assistance from the GRDA Police Dive Team this morning.
Despite an extensive search by GRDA divers, poor visibility and muddy conditions on the bottom of the pond prevented recovery of the item.
As the investigation continued, additional information was developed indicating the discarded item was likely narcotics rather than a firearm. While the item was not recovered, officers acted on the information available at the time to ensure no firearm had been discarded in a public area accessible to the community.
We would like to extend our appreciation to the GRDA Police Dive Team for their response and willingness to assist.
Campbell was booked into the Mayes County Jail on the following charges:
• Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI)
• Destroying Evidence
• Transporting an Open Container of Beer