Mario Edward Berger, 23, arrested, after a police pursuit, through many streets in Laurel, leads to crash into a tree.

A Laurel man was arrested Friday evening after leading police on a chase through town.

Laurel police say Mario Edward Berger, 23, was seen at 6:43 p.m. driving a silver Mitsubishi sports car north on South Fifth Avenue. Berger was driving recklessly, according to police.

An officer tried to stop Berger, but he sped off east onto West Main Street, and went through a red light at Fifth and Main. Berger then turned left onto Second Avenue and ran two more stop signs, according to police.

The officer then lost sight of the Mitsubishi, but a witness called in to report it driving east on East Maryland. Other officers joined the chase, but again lost sight of the vehicle.

After more reports from Laurel residents, police caught up with Berger on East Maryland near Yard Office Road. Berger then lost control of the car and crashed into a tree, according to officers.

Berger was ejected from the car, along with his shoes, according to a press release. He then got up and back into the car and drove off.

Police found the car a few minutes later at a residence in the 2300 block of Atchison Drive. The car had severe rear-end damage. Berger was found in the backyard of the residence. He was arrested without further incident. He had road rash on his arms and back and was checked out by medical staff at the Laurel Police Department.

Berger was charged with felony criminal endangerment, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, fleeing police, driving while suspended, driving while a habitual offender, criminal mischief, a seat belt violation, obstructing police, four stop sign violations, an insurance violation and driving without registration. He also had a warrant out for his arrest out of Laurel City Court for $1,500.