Ponca City woman arrested following hit and run

PONCA CITY — Ruth Ann Harper, 61, Ponca City, was arrested by Ponca City police today, nine days after a domestic charge filed against her was dismissed in Kay County District Court.

Harper was arrested at the scene of a hit and run in the 3200 block of north 14th Street near the entrance of Terpy’s Gas Station. 

Police report that officers responded to a report of a hit and run shortly after 9 a.m. Wednesday at the location. 

Officers reportedly arrived to find the victim’s car facing north in the southbound lanes.

Harper was identified as the suspect. Video shows that at one point her vehicle was in the grass in front of Terpy’s. She then accelerates from the grass and attempts to run over the hit and run victim.

Police report that In doing so, Harper sped through a group of people who were checking the welfare of the victim. As another officer arrived, they attempted to make a traffic stop on Harper.

Video of the incident shows Harper refusing to stop as she accelerated through Terpy’s parking lot, attempting to chase down the male victim who was running around the business.  

As she was closing in on him, on the south side of Terpy’s, a bystander struck Harper’s vehicle with his.

Video of the incident shows police surround Harper’s vehicle and order her out of the vehicle at gun point.

She was arrested on complaints of assault with a dangerous weapon but we anticipate other charges as the investigation continues.   At this time, police  believe the relationship between the male and female is a dating relationship that recently ended.  The male was not injured. 

Harper was first arrested by police on Aug. 16 in the 400 block of west Cleveland and later charged with a misdemeanor count of domestic abuse, assault and battery. In that case, the male victim reportedly sustained injuries to both of his hands. That case was later dismissed based on a motion made by prosecutors. (see story)