A routine traffic stop Thursday afternoon led authorities on a high speed chase from Walthourville into Hinesville, resulting in a wreck and with the suspect on the loose.

According to Walthourville Police Chief Chris Reed, the chase began shortly before 12:30 p.m. when a Walthourville police officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop. According to Reed, the driver allegedly began to flee, with the officer in pursuit.

As the chase entered a heavy traffic area near Meloney Drive and West Oglethorpe, the Walthourville assistant chief advised the officer to break off.

The suspect continued into Hinesville, where his vehicle collided with a vehicle at the intersection of Gen. Screven and West Oglethorpe Highway. According to Georgia State Patrol Trooper David Laff, the driver of the vehicle that was struck, a driving a Hyundai Santa Fe, was taken to Liberty Regional Medical Center. She is being treated with non-life threatening injuries.

The suspect got out of the vehicle and fled and is being sought.

The Georgia State Patrol’s specialized collision reconstruction team because of an officer-involved pursuit and accident.