RESERVE — A local man is behind bars after authorities say he jumped from a moving car that eventually struck a police vehicle.

According to the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office, officers patrolling the Garyville-Reserve area on River Road attempted to stop a stolen vehicle near West 10^th Street in Reserve when the driver sped up.

“The driver, later identified as Mekhi Alexis, then jumped from the moving vehicle and fled on foot on West 10th Street,” a Sheriff’s Office release said. “While the vehicle was in motion, it struck a patrol unit, causing minor damage to the passenger door.”

As Alexis ran along West 10th Street, deputies say they saw him throw a handgun in high grass near a closed pool.

After a brief foot pursuit, which took place at approximately 2 p.m. Wednesday, Alexis was taken into custody.

Police said no one was injured during the chase.

Alexis, 18, of LaPlace is charged with two counts resisting an officer, driver must be licensed, illegal possession of stolen things, possession of marijuana, illegal carrying of weapons and aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce.

He is being held in custody in lieu of a $39,500.