A Freeport man is charged in a short vehicle pursuit near the annual Freeport Halloween Parade where he told police “the devil had taken over his body,” according to charges filed Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Kyle Pulaski, 41, was charged by Southern Armstrong Regional police with felony fleeing police and one misdemeanor count each of disorderly conduct and DUI following the incident before the parade.

Police said an officer was conducting traffic control at Fifth and Market streets before the parade when a vehicle revved its engine and sped through the area toward a crowd of people.

Police attempted a traffic stop near High and Fifth streets. When an officer approached the vehicle and instructed the driver to roll down the window, the driver responded “no” and sped toward Buffalo Street, police said.

The driver then pulled into a BP gas station parking lot and went inside. When police followed him into the store and began giving commands, Pulaski told them “the devil had taken over his body and that he would not listen to anything the police said,” according to charging documents.

Pulaski then attempted to flee to the other side of the store and was shocked by police with a Taser. Pulaski subsequently declined EMS services. Police said he also showed signs of impairment.

“The Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department increased staffing during community events to help protect the safety of residents and visitors,” Chief Hunter B. Tackett said.