A convicted felon is back behind bars after he reportedly led Effingham County Sheriff’s deputies and Georgia State Patrol troopers on a high-speed pursuit Friday night.

According to reports, agencies were conducting a road safety check at Highway 17 and Blue Jay Road at approximately 11 p.m. Friday when the driver of a gold Buick pulled up. The driver, Ronnie Cope, 32, of Guyton, handed a deputy his identification and then fled from the scene, driving east on Blue Jay Road toward Midland Road.

Troopers and deputies pursued Cope, but he pulled to the shoulder just prior to law officers conducting a PIT maneuver (pursuit intervention technique) and after throwing a large bag of marijuana out the window.

Cope was arrested and charged with felony fleeing and attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, driving under the influence, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Cope has an extensive criminal history and is on parole for criminal attempt to traffick cocaine. He is currently being held in the Effingham County Jail.