A texting driver allegedly tried to elude Butler City Police instead of pulling over Thursday morning.

Police said they observed Marc A. Pippens Jr., 30, of Ambridge texting while driving and failing to stop at a stop sign around 11:14 a.m. near Butler Memorial Hospital.

When they attempted to pull Pippens over, he allegedly took off in his sedan. Police gave chase.

Butler Township Police and the Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit. For about eight minutes, Pippens allegedly eluded police, zigzagging between streets and alleyways.

Pippens is charged with a felony count of fleeing an officer and misdemeanor drug charges.

According to Capt. Jim Hollobaugh of Butler City Police, Pippens hit speeds in excess of 50 mph. Hollobaugh said the chase was contained mostly in one area.

Police said Pippens abandoned the car on the 500 block of Third Street and began to run away. Police chased him through backyards on Second Street and arrested him.

Along with fleeing an officer, Pippens is charged with possession of a controlled substance, a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He also was cited for the traffic violations.