In Oklahoma, Malinda J. Phillips, 36, was diving on Friday when her 2017 Buick Encore and was struck by a 2001 Ford F350 pickup driven by Aram Barak Catron, according to a release from Tahlequah Police Chief Nate King. Catron was fleeing from a Walmart store after allegedly shoplifting items, according to the release. A Cherokee Nation marshal who happened to be patrolling in the area and saw a truck that matched a description of the shoplifter’s vehicle, according to King. The marshal began following the truck, and when the truck almost collided head-on with another vehicle, the marshal initiated his emergency lights and sirens and began pursuit, according to the release. Catron failed to obey a stop sign and collided with Phillips’ vehicle about a half-mile from where the pursuit started, King said.
At home, her husband said, she was an excellent cook and baker — she especially loved anything to do with chocolate. Maggie Phillips, the couple’s 15-year-old daughter, remembered a fun day with her mom back in November, when they went to get Maggie’s nails done for her birthday. “She’s just the best person,” Maggie said. “She loved everybody so much.” Attempts to check on Catron’s condition in the hospital were unsuccessful Saturday. Records at the Oklahoma Department of Corrections indicate that in December Catron finished a sentence for felony counts of leaving the scene of accident involving an injury and eluding a police officer. King thanked the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Cherokee Nation Marshal Service and Tahlequah Public Works Authority for their assistance. Scott Phillips said funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized. He said he told his daughters getting through the tragedy will be difficult. “We all got to stick together,” Phillips said. [Source: Tulsa World]
