A man driving a late model Audi led state and local police through two counties before being forcibly stopped in downtown Lehighton.

The incident began when motorists reported a man driving erratically along the northbound lanes of the turnpike in Lehigh County. There were also reports of the car smoking heavily.

Authorities thought the vehicle was going to pull off at the Mahoning interchange after it passed through the tunnel.

The vehicle continued north with state police in pursuit.

The driver exited at the Route 903 exit. It continued south through Penn Forest Township turning onto Maury Road into Franklin township.

The car turned onto Fairyland road with numerous police vehicles in pursuit.

The chase entered Lehighton where the car crashed on Bankway Street, then fled driving the wrong way on South First street where it was forcibly stopped at the intersection with South Street.

The driver was taken into custody and transported to an area hospital. Police learned the driver was wanted by probation officers and drug paraphernalia was confiscated from the car.

Police are expected to release more details this afternoon.