SOUTH WILLIAMSON, Ky. — What began as a youthful prank that would have probably resulted in a traffic ticket at most turned into more serious charges for a West Virginia man.

Police received a complaint just after midnight Saturday morning that someone was doing donuts in a Chevy Camaro at the Southside Mall in South Williamson.

When state troopers arrived, the car was still there doing donuts, but it sped away as the officer approached, almost striking one of the patrol cars.

The car continued to speed away behind Food City, when the driver lost control, went into a ditch and struck several trees and a pole. The driver then jumped out of the car and ran away.

Arrested about 100 yards from the crash was Bennett Cox II, 18, of Matewan.

Cox reportedly told police he ran away because he was scared.

He was charged with DUI, fleeing police, leaving the scene of an accident, and numerous traffic violations.