OKEECHOBEE — After a five-mile high-speed chase, a driver was charged with fleeing to elude law enforcement, resisting arrest without violence and driving without a license. A passenger was charged with possession of methamphetamine and introduction of contraband into a detention facility.

On Thursday, Jan. 28, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Murtagh was on patrol in the 3400 block of U.S. 441 Southeast when he observed a red Ford convertible traveling west in the eastbound lanes of 441 Southeast. He activated his lights in an attempt to pull the car over and the vehicle crossed over into the westbound lanes, narrowly missing eastbound head on traffic. The driver pulled the car over on the shoulder of the highway.

As Broughton called in to dispatch, the car reportedly accelerated at a high rate of speed in an attempt to flee. Broughton activated his siren and followed.

The chase lasted only about six minutes as the cars traveled through a residential neighborhood with speeds in excess of 80mph. At one point during the chase, the convertible traveled through the front and back yards of a home, running over a fire hydrant in the process.

Deputy Matthew Huffman attempted to put out spike sticks, but the vehicle swerved to avoid them, almost hitting Huffman. The vehicle finally stopped when the front tire failed.

The driver was identified as Shane Pahl. Pahl reportedly told deputies he ran because his license was suspended. After he was checked out at Raulerson Hospital, he was transported to the jail. His bond was set at $5,500.

The front seat passenger was identified as Tyler Hampton. A check of his records revealed there was a warrant out for his arrest. When he was asked if he had any contraband on his person, he reportedly said no, but deputies found methamphetamine when he was searched during booking. His bond was set at $10,000.