A driver who attempted to evade police ended upside down in the roadway, but he did escape Monday night.

McMinnville Police Department is seeking to identify the driver of a blue Chevrolet Malibu found on its top on Faulkner Springs Road on Monday night at approximately 8:15 p.m. 

“We do have a suspect,” said city detective Stuart Whitman. 

While the name of the suspected driver is being withheld at this time, the department did confirm reports that a high-speed chase involving that vehicle took place minutes prior to the vehicle being found in the roadway. 

“Officer Jay Hutchins was on Chancery Street and passed by a man standing beside an ATM,” said Whitman. “The man’s behavior prompted him to turn around. He pulled into Arby’s to observe.”

Driving a Malibu, the man pulled from the bank and turned into Warehouse Discount Groceries. 

“He saw a male come out of Warehouse Discount Groceries and got into the driver’s seat of the blue Malibu. He pulled out of Arby’s as the Malibu pulled from the grocery store.”

At high speeds, the driver took Hobson Street, turned at Tractor Supply and onto Mullican Street.

“The officer activated lights and siren,” said Whitman. “He attempted to catch up, but the Malibu never slowed down.”

At varying speeds, the pursuit went into downtown McMinnville, circled, and made its way down Spring Street.

“The Malibu ran the red light at Highway 70 Bypass and continued onto Faulkner Springs Road,” said Whitman. “The officer was advised to discontinue the pursuit, which he did. Lt. Austin Wortman was in the area and located a vehicle matching the description. It was unoccupied and flipped in the roadway.”

It was found at 1904 Faulkner Springs Road, just past the intersection of Faulkner Springs Road and Upper Faulkner Springs Road.