Lexington Police arrested a 17-year-old they say overturned a stolen car after a search that lasted two hours and required a K-9 team and a drone.

Per social media posts, the Jan. 14 incident began when an officer attempted to stop a vehicle for an expired license plate and a headlight being out. The driver failed to stop for blue lights, continuing at a high rate of speed. Department policy doesn’t allow officers to pursue based on these violations.

The vehicle continued down Roberts Street, with officers finding it overturned moments later. They saw the driver climb out and run into the woods, according to the department.

Lexington Police posted to social media at 9:17 p.m. that roads near Roberts Street and Gibson Road were closed while officers searched the area. This was followed by a post at 10:14 p.m. reporting the subject had been found and arrested.

“A perimeter was set up, and a Lexington County Sheriff's Department K-9 team began a track while our officers put a drone up to search the area,” the department posted after the search concluded. “LPD, LCSD, and [state Highway Patrol] maintained the perimeter while the search continued. The drone found the suspect several times, and when officers approached, he ran deeper into the woods.

“After two hours, he was found again by the drone lying in a wooded area near the road, and when officers approached, he was taken into custody,” Lexington Police posted. “He was transported to the hospital from injuries sustained during the collision and exposure to the cold.”

The juvenile suspect, whom Lexington Police noted is a validated gang member, didn’t have a driver’s license. He was charged with failure to stop for blue lights, leaving the scene of a collision, reckless driving, possession of a stolen vehicle, driving without a license, and driving with a defective headlight.

These charges will be adjudicated by Lexington County Family Court.

“We appreciate the patience of our community while roadways in the area were closed and the support and assistance from the Lexington County Sheriff's Department and the South Carolina Highway Patrol,” Lexington Police posted.