A man is in custody after leading police on a chase through the city Tuesday, according to officials with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.

According to police, county deputies attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation around 11:03 a.m. The driver of the vehicle refused to the stop, however, and led police on chase through the city before he fled from his vehicle near the intersection of Pokagon and Andrew streets.

After leaving his vehicle, the suspect barricaded himself inside a nearby residence, where several young children were inside. Police ordered the man to leave the house, which he did, and surrendered himself into custody.

While searching through the man’s vehicle, police discovered narcotics paraphernalia and called in members of the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team to investigate. Detectives managed to discover crack cocaine inside after a through examination.

After his apprehension, the suspect complained of chest pains, prompting authorities to transport him to Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital. After medical crews cleared him, police transported the man to Cass County Jail, where he is being lodged on charges of fleeing and eluding, driving on a suspended license, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and destruction of evidence.

Police are withholding the 31-year-old suspect’s name until his arraignment in Cass County court.

Officers with the Dowagiac Police Department and crews with Pride Care Ambulance Service assisted deputies and drug team members during the incident. Anyone with information about this or other potential criminal activity are asked to call the sheriff’s office tip line at 1-800-462-9328 or leave information through the department’s online tip line at ccso.info.