Jennings County Sheriff officers arrested a Westport man accused of driving a stolen vehicle after a short pursuit Tuesday morning.

The incident that led to the arrest of 44-year-old Weldon Wiley began when officers were sent to a wreck on U.S. 50 at 6 a.m. Tuesday and learned the driver had fled on foot, said Chief Deputy Dave Turner.

Officers Garrett Hoppock and Sgt. Anthony Maberry arrived at the scene and searched the area. While they were searching a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed crossed the centerline causing Hoppock to have to jump into a ditch to avoid being struck, Turner said.

Sgt. Allen Ritchie and his dog, Vampir, who also were sent to the area, were able to locate the vehicle and attempted to stop it, but the driver refused to stop, Turner said. After a short pursuit, the driver — later identified as Wiley, crashed and fled on foot, but Vampir was able to apprehend him, Turner said.

Police learned during the investigation that the vehicle involved in the original crash had been stolen out of Ripley County and the second vehicle was stolen near the scene in Jennings County, Turner said.

Investigators also learned Wiley had entered a residence without permission and had been seeking a ride, Turner said.

Wiley faces preliminary felony charges of auto theft, residential entry and resisting law enforcement by fleeing and misdemeanor charges of criminal recklessness, operating a vehicle while intoxicated-endangerment and leaving the scene of an accident.

He was booked in the Jennings County Jail on Tuesday afternoon and was being held on $1,055 bond.