NATCHEZ &045; One Natchez man was arrested Tuesday morning after running from police, striking another vehicle and crashing into a building.

Michael Woods, 22, 38 Brenham Ave., attracted the attention of an officer on Homochitto Street near the Malt Shop around 11 a.m. when he passed another car and forced the officer to pull off the road, Police Chief Mike Mullins said.

Woods then turned his red Lincoln onto Union Street from Orleans Street, Mullins said. The officer turned on his lights and proceeded to stop the car.

The car kept going and ran a stop sign on Washington Street. Both the officer and the suspect were traveling at a slow speed, Mullins said.

Once the vehicles approached the downtown area the officer backed away to prevent any kind of chase that might endanger lives, Mullins said.

On Main Street Woods ran a red light and struck the side of a Mercury van, Mullins said.

The driver of the van was taken to the hospital with neck pain.

Woods’ car kept moving on Main, and got on Pearl Street before turning on Jefferson Street and finally Canal Street, Mullins said.

Woods attempted to turn around in the gravel parking lot across from the Natchez Convention Center, where he struck the corner of a building, Mullins said. Officers blocked his exit from the parking lot.

Woods proceeded to abandon the car and run on foot, Mullins said, while another officer, Justin Jones, pursued him on foot through an alley before catching him. Jones injured his knee in the chase.

Woods was charged with felony eluding a police officer &045; a felony charge because he showed extreme indifference to life, Mullins said &045; reckless driving, driving under suspension, no insurance, expired tag, running a red light and resisting arrest.

Woods is being held at the city jail without bond until arraignment.

Woods’ car was heavily damaged during the chase, and one patrol car received minor damage.

Mullins said it is police procedure to follow suspects at a low speed in town.

&uot;They leave the siren on, but we do not chase and pursue people through town and populated areas,&uot; he said.