The Center Police Department was involved in a high-speed vehicle and eventual foot chase last Thursday around lunch.

According to a Center P-D press release, Sgt. Ricky King attempted to make contact with a subject for a minor traffic violation, when the man jumped into his vehicle and fled from officer.

The individual was identified as 34-year old Justin Earl Bennett, who led officer on a 10-minute high-speed chase throughout Center, leading to County Road 2020, where he crashed into a tree.

The release said Bennett reportedly jumped out of the vehicle, where a 250 yard foot chase ensued. He was apprehended in a wooded area and found to be in possession of crack cocaine.

Bennett was arrested for evading arrest/detention with previous convictions; evading arrest/detention with a motor vehicle; Delivery of a Controlled Substance in a drug free zone; Reckless Driving; Failure to Control Speed; Wrong way on a one-way/ and eight counts of running a stop sign.

Justin Earl Bennett