Man accused of driving car on riverside footpath arrested and identified

Tulsa police arrest a man they say led officers on a car chase on a pedestrian path along Riverside. Officers say the driver nearly hit pedestrians and cyclists on the trail.

A witness saw the chase unfold while riding his bicycle on the track.

“It all seemed ridiculous,” said Micky Payne, a cyclist.

Payne was driving along Riverside with a friend and knew something was wrong when police threw out spike strips.

“We’ve had plenty of warnings,” Payne said. “A police officer from Tulsa called us and we saw all the police cars on the trail escorting him to Riverside. He had quite a few supporters with him.

An arrest report states the offices attempted to stop Wayne Seward because one of his wheels was embedded all the way to the rim. It says Seward refused to stop, ran a red light and drove onto the trail.

The report says Seward came within a few feet of hitting pedestrians. Police said Seward crashed on the trail near 71st Street and Riverside and officers used pepper balls to get him out.

It says Seward still did not come to the officers and got back into his car, continuing to ignore orders. Police said officers eventually arrested Seward after sending a K9 officer in pursuit.

Payne says he won't soon forget what he saw in the park.

“It’s surreal to see a car on this trail,” he said. “It was pretty weird.”

Seward faces charges of fleeing police and obstructing.