A Jackson resident was apprehended and briefly hospitalizedMonday morning after he fled from authorities in a SUV that hadbeen reported stolen from a Brookhaven car wash, said Police ChiefPap Henderson.

Antonio D. Harper, 35, of 4327 Jackson Hwy., lost control of thevehicle and drove off a steep embankment off Highway 550, Hendersonsaid.

“At 10:31, we got the call from a Union Street car washreporting the car as stolen,” Henderson said.

Employees at Smith’s Car Wash on Union Street were washing thevehicle shortly before it was stolen.

“I went in to get some change and to get a drink and when I cameback it was gone,” said an employee, who did not give his name.”The door was closed and the back was up and I had just got somestuff out.”

The employee said the vehicle’s owner is a fairly regularcustomer.

Police officers were dispatched and Officer Rob Smith spotted aBlack Nissan XTerra with matching plates traveling west on BrookwayBoulevard. Smith followed in pursuit of the vehicle as the subjectturned onto Highway 51 and then to Highway 550

“Officer Smith pursued him west on Highway 550, approximatelyfour or five vehicles behind the subject,” Henderson said.

While trying to pass several cars, the SUV’s right tires spunout. The driver lost control, crossed both lanes of traffic, drovedown an embankment and flipped the vehicle.

Harper was injured in the accident and taken to King’s DaughtersMedical Center. He was later released and placed in to the LincolnCounty Jail Monday afternoon.

In addition to grand larceny, Harper was charged with running ared light, improper passing of a vehicle and failure to yield toblue lights.

“He also had an outstanding warrant from the city for trafficviolations in 1995,” Henderson said.

Harper remained in jail and was scheduled for an arraignmenthearing today, the chief said.