Brice Lajuan Edwards Death News – Authorities in Midwest City have released more information following a tragic incident that occurred Monday night during a police pursuit. The event began after officers were notified about a stolen vehicle connected to an earlier assault in Harrah and ended in a fatal crash that claimed the life of the suspect involved.
According to the Midwest City Police Department, the situation unfolded around 8:30 p.m. when officers in Harrah received a report that a vehicle had been taken by force at a local store. Investigators said the suspect, later identified as 49-year-old Brice Lajuan Edwards, was accused of confronting a woman and taking her vehicle during the incident. The woman reportedly sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and emergency personnel responded promptly to assist her.
Following the initial report, area law enforcement agencies began searching for the vehicle. Not long after, officers in Midwest City spotted the car matching the description of the one reported stolen. Police attempted to make a traffic stop, but the driver allegedly refused to comply, prompting a pursuit through several streets in the area.
Authorities said officers worked to contain the situation safely and followed pursuit protocols. During the chase, officers eventually performed a tactical maneuver — a standard law enforcement procedure designed to stop fleeing vehicles while minimizing risk to others on the road. However, the action caused the suspect’s vehicle to lose control and collide with another car near the 8500 block of Southeast 15th Street.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene. Edwards, the driver of the fleeing vehicle, sustained severe injuries from the crash and was pronounced deceased a short time later. The driver of the second vehicle involved suffered only minor injuries and was treated at the scene. No additional injuries were reported.
The crash site was temporarily closed to traffic while investigators examined the scene and documented evidence. Police vehicles and emergency crews remained in the area for several hours as authorities processed the location and ensured the safety of other motorists.
Officials have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, and they are reviewing all aspects of the event, including body camera footage, dash camera video, and radio communication logs. The Midwest City Police Department said the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s traffic investigation team has also been notified and may assist with the reconstruction of the crash to determine exactly how it occurred.
Law enforcement leaders have expressed that situations like this are deeply unfortunate and that officers always aim to balance public safety with the need to apprehend suspects who pose potential risks to others. They extended their condolences to everyone affected by the events, including the family of Mr. Edwards and those indirectly impacted by the incident.
Police officials added that the case will also include a review of the initial assault and car theft in Harrah, which sparked the chain of events leading to the pursuit. Investigators are gathering statements and evidence from the location of that incident as part of their broader inquiry.
The Midwest City Police Department reaffirmed its commitment to transparency in the investigation and stated that more details would be released once the internal and external reviews are complete.
Community members have expressed both sorrow and concern over the series of events, emphasizing the importance of ongoing training, pursuit policies, and public safety measures that protect both officers and residents.
As of now, authorities continue to piece together the timeline from the moment of the reported assault in Harrah to the final moments of the pursuit in Midwest City. While the investigation progresses, officials are urging anyone who witnessed the chase or the crash to come forward with information that might assist in clarifying the sequence of events.
