What started as a possible routine traffic stop for speeding ended up becoming a high speed chase through Liberty and McIntosh counties Sunday night.

A Liberty County sheriff’s deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a Mustang for speeding near mile marker 79 southbound on I-95 shortly before 5 p.m., according to LCSO public information officer Lt. Phillip Bohannon.

The driver of the Mustang allegedly decided to speed up after the deputy turned on his lights in an effort to stop the motorist. With the deputy in pursuit, the driver of the Mustang led the deputy on a high speed chase on I-95 southbound through Liberty County into McIntosh County, reaching speeds between 130 to 140 miles per hour.  

At one point, the driver made a u-turn on the interstate in McIntosh County and began traveling northbound at a high rate of speed with deputies from Liberty and McIntosh in pursuit.

As the driver entered Liberty County, the Liberty deputy used the PIT maneuver (precision immobilization technique) to stop the vehicle, causing the driver to wreck at mile marker 68. 

Law enforcement officers arrested two men. As they searched the vehicle, they discovered a firearm along with an estimated 100 pounds of marijuana in a garbage bag.

The passenger in the Mustang was treated for a minor head injury. Both men have been placed under arrest and are expected to face multiple charges.