Authorities are continuing to investigate a high speed chase and the theft of a vehicle with both incidents occurring early Monday morning.

According to Cedar Bluff Police Chief Chris O’Neal, Officer Seth Hood clocked a pickup truck for speeding on Alabama Highway 9 when the driver refused to stop and continued toward Centre. As the pursuit neared Blackwell’s Crossroads Centre Police deployed spike strips where the driver attempted a u-turn and crashed into a ditch.

Chief O’Neal said that the male driver and male passenger both fled on foot and managed to escape after running through a cotton field. The driver has been identified as Mason Smith of Georgia. (No photo is available at this time)

Law Enforcement is also investigating the theft of a vehicle occurring a short time later.

According to information obtained by WEIS Radio News, a Nissan Rogue was taken from the driveway of a residence on County Road 494 just a short distance from where the chase ended.

The vehicle has an Auburn personalized license plate of KLP15. Right now it is not known if the two incidents are related and no additional information is being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen car you are asked to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at 256-927-3365.

We will have additional information as more details are provided.