An Augusta man was arrested in Burke County today after police said he led them on a three-county chase and nearly hit two officers with his truck.

Police said they began chasing Gary Kitchens, 45, at the Wal Mart on Knox Avenue in North Augusta after he alledgedly stole a CD player, according to Lt. Robert Bell with North Augusta Public Safety.

When Wal Mart security attempted to detain the suspect, he fled and got into a Ford Ranger truck that was parked on the side of the building. He then drove across the street to Lowe's, where he almost ran over an officer, according to police.

Pursuit continued onto East Martintown Road to U.S. Highway 1 into Georgia, where Richmond County deputies picked up the chase at the Super Inn at 1602 Gordon Highway.

When the fugitive saw the police, he sped up his truck – nearly striking a Richmond County deputy. Authorities followed him to Girard, Ga, according to Richmond County Sheriff’s Lt. Scott Gay.

He was stopped when police from the Sardis Police Department disabled his vehicle and it crashed in a field.

Lt. Bell said phone lines are down in Burke County and he is waiting for more information.

The suspect will be charged with reckless driving, driving under suspension, assault and battery with intent to kill a police officer, shoplifting and failure to stop for siren in North Augusta, Lt. Bell said.

He is also expected to face aggravated assault with a motor vehicle charges in Richmond County.