POTSDAM -- A Potsdam man was charged Nov. 4 with fleeing police in a motor vehicle stemming from an incident in Burke earlier this month, according to state police.

Devin J. Smith, 21, was charged with third-degree fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle and several other vehicle and traffic tickets, officers said.

Troopers reportedly observed Smith fail to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Stage Route 122 and U.S. Highway 11.

Smith, who was allegedly operating a Volkswagen Jetta, drove off when officers were getting out of their vehicle following an initial traffic stop.

Law enforcement pursued the vehicle with its emergency lights activated but the vehicle refused to stop.

The chase wen through the townships of Burke and Constable but was terminated around State Highway 37 and State Route 122, officers said.

Troopers were able to identify Smith as the driver when he made an abrupt U-turn during the pursuit, troopers said.

Smith was contacted by law enforcement about the incident and he was charged at the Malone state police barracks.

Smith was released on appearance tickets returnable to Burke at a later date, officers said.