PATRICK COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — A Patrick Springs man was arrested April 30 following a high-speed chase that occurred during a countywide narcotics interdiction operation.

The operation was conducted by the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Martinsville Police Department and Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say the incident began when deputies tried to stop a silver BMW for multiple traffic violations near Jeb Stuart Highway and Woodland Drive.

The driver initially appeared to comply, but then fled recklessly, leading law enforcement on a pursuit through several county roads, including Poplar Drive, New Hope Church Road, and High Point Church Road.

A deputy successfully used the Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle, which crashed and brought the pursuit to an end, according to deputies.

The suspect, identified as Mark Lucas Tatum, 47, of Patrick Springs, was taken into custody at the scene.

According to the sheriff’s office, Tatum discarded a handgun and narcotics from the vehicle during the pursuit.

He has been charged with felony eluding a law enforcement officer and is being held without bond.

Additional charges are pending, pending results from the state forensic lab.

No injuries were reported.

The patrol vehicle involved sustained minor damage, while Tatum’s vehicle suffered significant damage.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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