A Louisiana man who led law enforcement on a chase through three counties before he was stopped was able to exit a patrol car and run into a wooded area prior to being apprehended Thursday.

Orange County Sheriff’s Office dispatch received a call at 6:52 a.m. from Jasper County Sheriff’s Office in reference to a stolen 2001 Mazda they were pursuing southbound on Texas 87 into Orange County from Newton County, according to a press release from OCSO.

Orange County deputies responded and it was reported that troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety deployed spike strips. The driver continued to drive with three disabled tires but eventually lost control of the vehicle near Medford Drive. Deputies detained a 21-year-old white male from Lake Charles, Louisiana and placed him in handcuffs.

While in the rear seat of the Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle the suspect managed to exit the vehicle and run into a wooded area near Bear Path off of Texas 87.

Numerous officers pursued the subject into the woods. After a thorough search of the area and further assistance from Texas DPS, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Orange Police Department, and the Beaumont Police Department K9 unit, the subject was spotted in a ditch full of water.

The suspect was again detained and transported to the Orange County Correctional Facility without further incident. A bond will be set upon arraignment.