Collinsville, Oklahoma — A 37-year-old mother of seven was killed after being struck by a pickup truck during an argument with her boyfriend in a QuikTrip parking lot, leading to the arrest of an Oklahoma man now facing felony charges.
According to the Collinsville Police Department, the incident occurred on July 3 at a QuikTrip convenience store in Collinsville, about 20 miles north of Tulsa. Officers responded after receiving reports of a domestic-related incident in which a woman had been hit by a vehicle.
The victim, Amber Rena Lee, who was formerly known as Amber Pippin, was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from her injuries.
Police Say Argument Escalated in Gas Station Parking Lot
Investigators said Lee and her boyfriend, 39-year-old Tyler Kendrick, had been in a dating relationship but were in the process of separating and dividing their belongings.
Earlier that day, a friend reportedly helped Lee return some of Kendrick’s personal items before driving her back to the QuikTrip parking lot, where her own vehicle was parked.
Police said Kendrick was waiting at the location when Lee arrived.
According to investigators, the two began arguing after Kendrick believed Lee still had some of his belongings. As the disagreement intensified, the friend reportedly tried to intervene.
Authorities allege Kendrick then drove away in his dual-rear-wheel pickup truck, striking Lee in the process.
Investigators Believe Victim Was Pulled Under the Truck
Police Chief Matt Burke said investigators believe Lee was accidentally run over as Kendrick backed up the truck.
“We think she got hit and was pulled under by those back tires,” Burke said. “We don’t believe the suspect intended to necessarily harm her, but we do believe his negligent actions led to her death.”
Investigators believe a severe injury to an artery in one of Lee’s legs may have caused her death, although officials are awaiting the medical examiner’s final findings.
Burke also urged people to remain calm during emotional situations.
“This is a great example of why we can’t let our emotions get the best of us,” Burke said. “We have to always take consideration of other people around us and the space around us. When we let our emotions get the better of us, we can ruin lives.”
Suspect Arrested Hours Later Using Technology
Police said Kendrick allegedly left the scene after the incident.
Later that same day, officers located and arrested him in Owasso with the assistance of traffic camera technology and a police drone.
Authorities said license plate readers helped identify the vehicle before officers moved in and took Kendrick into custody without further incident.
He has since been charged with one count of manslaughter and one count of leaving the scene of a fatality.
Officials said Kendrick is currently being held at the Tulsa County Jail on a hold from the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service.
Family Remembers Devoted Mother of Seven
Amber Lee leaves behind seven children ranging in age from 3 to 18 years old.
Her mother described her as a loving parent whose life revolved around her children and helping others.
“It’s just a different feeling when it’s your child,” Lee’s mother said. “It’s terrible. This is going to be hard. It’s my first child. She was my best friend…More than anything, Amber wanted a life filled with love, laughter and precious moments with her babies.”
The investigation into the fatal incident remains ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence and await the medical examiner’s final report.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? Do you think more awareness about handling emotionally charged situations could help prevent similar incidents? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
