Ledyard - Two people were arrested early Monday morning after they chased a car through several towns, state police said

Antonio McLendon, 28, of Waterbury, was charged with driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, disobeying an officer's signal, failure to drive right, improper passing and interfering with a police officer.

His passenger, Dana Campbell, 25, of Waterbury, was charged with possession of less than 4 ounces of marijuana and interfering with a police officer.

Sgt. Kenneth Creutz said that around 2:39 a.m. he was on patrol in the area of Route 214 in Ledyard when he saw a car drive off the road and then return to the roadway. He then saw the car swerve over a double yellow line.

As Creutz approached the intersection of Elizabeth George Drive, he turned on his siren, signaling the driver to stop.

The car, which has Massachusetts plates, appeared to be stopping but then took off at a high speed.

Creutz pursued the vehicle west on Route 214 to the intersection of Route 117 at speeds of 70 mph. He noted that traffic was very light.

He said the car passed two vehicles in a no passing zone. The vehicle then turned left and headed south on Route 117. At this point, Creutz said, an officer from Ledyard police joined in the pursuit.

He also asked dispatch to notify Groton Town police that they would be entering the town. There was no traffic and speeds were reaching 80 mph.

As Creutz approached the intersection of Route 184 in Groton, the intersection was blocked off and the pursuit continued south on Route 117.

Creutz said another state trooper who was ahead of him joined in the pursuit. As the pursued car approached the other state trooper, he attempted to pass the officer on the left, Creutz said. Unable to do so, the pursued car drove around the cruiser and passed it on the right.

The pursued car made a sharp left turn onto the on ramp for Interstate 95 south. The trooper attempted to make the turn onto the ramp but instead drove into a ditch. The trooper sustained minor injuries.

Creutz said he continued to pursue the vehicle. As they passed Exit 87, he informed his dispatcher that there was light traffic and speeds were approaching 100 mph. At this point, dispatch ordered him to stop the pursuit.

He told dispatch that the car was last seen crossing over the bridge into New London.

Minutes later, Creutz heard over the radio that state police were going to use a tire-deflation device. The device was successfully used, and the vehicle stopped on the highway in the area of East Lyme.

Campbell was immediately arrested, but McLendon fled the scene on foot. A K-9 unit from Troop F in Westbrook found McLendon. Police did not say where McLendon was found.

Both Campbell and McLendon were arraigned Monday in New London Superior Court.

McLendon has a lengthy criminal record including convictions for assault, reckless driving, violation of protective order, possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, and assault on police officer, among other offenses.