SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man was arrested Wednesday after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through the city on Wednesday evening.

Justin Daniel Arney, 19, is charged with felony eluding, in addition to misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, fictitious license plates and an invalid driver’s license.

Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Bonner encountered Arney at the intersection of South Boyer Avenue and Superior Street shortly after 6 p.m. Arney nearly collided with the deputy’s patrol vehicle while leaving the intersection, a probable cause affidavit said.

“I made eye contact with the driver, a white male with a dark beard, and observed his mouth drop open and eyes become wide,” Bonner said in the affidavit.

Bonner initiated a traffic stop, but Arney allegedly sped off west down Superior and crossed over U.S. Highway 2 without stopping.

Speeds exceeded 50 mph in a 25 mph zone, the affidavit said. Traffic was moderately heavy and there was a considerable amount of pedestrians due to the warm weather, which prompted Bonner to disengage from the pursuit for safety reasons, court documents indicate.

The pursuit resumed on Ella Avenue, but Arney pulled over his Honda Accord and was arrested without further incident. Arney told the deputy he fled from the traffic stop because had pot in his possession and was high, the affidavit said. Arney also didn’t have a driver’s license.

Arney was scheduled to make an initial appearance in Bonner County Magistrate Court on Thursday, although online court records documenting the hearing were not available.

A preliminary hearing in the case is planned for May 30.