A routine traffic stop turned into a pursuit for Lincoln CountySheriff’s Department officers Thursday afternoon.

Sheriff Steve Rushing said an officer came across a green Saturndriving recklessly and speeding on Old Red Star Drive around 1:30p.m. When the officer turned around and attempted to pull over thecareless driver, a 20-minute pursuit in northwest Lincoln Countybegan.

“He just didn’t want to stop,” said Rushing.

From Old Red Star Drive the hunt for the Saturn took a turn ontoHighway 550, then to Bouie Mill Road and finally onto Wooley Trail.Rushing mentioned the Saturn was able to get ahead of the pursingofficers, but caught a flat on Wooley Trail.

“When the officer came around the curve the vehicle was sittingthere with nobody in it,” said Rushing.

The trail then went from county roads to country woods after twosubjects bailed out of the getaway car and began to flee onfoot.

Rushing said they were able to apprehend the passenger, a16-year-old male, not too far from the vehicle. He was notidentified because he is a juvenile.

LCSD is still looking for the wheelman.

The sheriff’s department has issued warrants for the driver’sarrest. Rushing described the subject as an adult male from theBrookhaven area.

“We have the name and some information on the driver,” saidRushing. “It’s just a matter of locating him now.”

The heavy-footed driver and the teenager along for the ride mayhave been attempting to escape drug charges. After investigatingthe vehicle, deputies discovered some marijuana and a moderateamount of what may be cocaine.

“The initial test results showed it to be a small amount ofcocaine,” said Rushing.

Rushing mentioned the sheriff’s department is checking with theBrookhaven Police Department about the vehicle. The sheriff saidthe vehicle may have been stolen or in use without properpermission.

“Either way in which it goes they weren’t suppose to have it, to myunderstanding,” said Rushing.

The minor will face various charges and will be tried in youthcourt.

Along with not stopping for a law enforcement officer, the drivercould face additional charges of drug offenses, moving violationsand the unauthorized use of a vehicle.

There were no injuries in the pursuit, the sheriff said.