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Escape attempt ends at pole
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A drunk driver faces evading charges after he tried to elude deputies and crashed into a utility pole.

The suspect, Willie Ray Murphy, 36, is charged with DUI and evading arrest.

His charges come after a deputy passed him near Taco Bell and knew Murphy was not licensed to drive. The officer fell in behind the suspect and tried to pull him over. Murphy; however, did not want to go peacefully as he took a quick turn onto Oak Street and began winding around connecting roads in Smithville, running numerous stop signs. The chase continued until he entered Bill Page ballfield.

“He entered the ballfield and crashed into a utility pole, breaking it in half,” said Sheriff Patrick Ray, noting Murphy then sprang from the wrecked vehicle and ran away. “He was caught in a yard off West Broad Street.”

Officers said Murphy was staggering and unsteady on his feet when they caught him. He refused a sobriety test and was placed under arrest.