PONCA CITY, OK — A 61-year-old Ponca City woman is facing multiple charges after police say she tried to run over a man during a chaotic roadside incident that unfolded while officers were looking for an endangered missing person.

Authorities say the situation began earlier this week as Ponca City police were trying to locate the missing person. While that search was underway, officers began getting several reports of a hit-and-run crash. When they arrived, police say the encounter escalated quickly and put multiple people in danger.

Police say the confrontation began after a hit-and-run report

According to Ponca City police, officers reached the scene after callers reported a hit-and-run crash. Investigators say a truck had been struck and the driver involved in the crash became part of a fast-moving confrontation on the street.

Police identified the woman as Ruth Ann Harper. They say Harper then allegedly tried to run over the man whose truck had been hit, and in doing so sped through a group of people gathered nearby. The incident drew the attention of officers who were already in the area for the missing-person search.

Another driver tried to stop her as she chased the victim

Police say the situation grew more dangerous when another driver tried to intervene and stop Harper. Instead of backing off, investigators say Harper kept accelerating and chased the male victim as he ran away from her.

Officers say the man was trying to escape the vehicle when Harper continued toward him. In the middle of that pursuit, the victim ended up standing next to a Ponca City officer, adding another layer of risk to an already tense scene.

A bystander struck Harper's vehicle before she reached the officer

As Harper got closer to the victim, police say a bystander who had seen the events unfold stepped in by striking her vehicle. That collision stopped the immediate chase before Harper could reach the man standing near the officer.

Authorities did not say what led to the original hit-and-run crash or explain how many people were present in the group Harper allegedly drove through. Still, police say the bystander’s intervention helped prevent the incident from getting even worse.

Harper was booked on assault charges and more counts may follow

Harper was arrested on multiple counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, according to police. Those charges reflect the allegations that she used her vehicle in a way that put others at serious risk during the confrontation.

Investigators say they expect additional charges as the case continues. Police have not yet released further details about the endangered missing person search or said whether that separate matter is connected to the arrest.

Ponca City police continue sorting out the full sequence of events

The case remains centered on a brief but chaotic chain of events: a missing-person search, reports of a crash, a confrontation involving a truck, and an alleged attempt to run down a man in public. Police say officers encountered the scene while responding to the earlier reports.

For now, the main facts come from the Ponca City Police Department, which says Harper’s actions led to her arrest and could bring more charges. The department has not announced a court date or given any update on the condition of the people involved.

Local news that matters, from Dulaney Griffin.