A Marion man is charged following a 33-mile police pursuit through McDowell County early Friday morning.

44-year-old Scott Ellis Davis of Peppers Creek Road was spotted by officers on Tom’s Creek pulled off the roadway in front of a locked gate.

Reports say the deputy approached Davis’ vehicle and observed drug paraphernalia.

The officer instructed Davis to turn the car off and step out, but instead reports say he sped off.

What followed was a 33-mile pursuit to Lake Tahoma Road, then back to US 221 North, and back to Tom’s Creek Road where Davis exited the car and fled on foot.

Davis was apprehended following a short foot chase.

During the course of the car chase, Davis reportedly threw a bag out of the window; and a search for the bag was unsuccessful.

He was charged with fleeing to elude arrest, assault on a governmental official, resisting a public officer, littering, and multiple traffic violations.

Assisting the McDowell Sheriff’s Office were Marion and Old Fort Police and the NC Highway Patrol.

Those traveling to eastern Tennessee this week may experience some delay and detour through Haywood County.

 State DOT says it plans to close Interstate 40 west starting at 6 tonight for a bridge project in the Pigeon River Gorge.

Both westbound lanes will be closed from mile marker 20 to mile marker 15 for up to 5 days as crews make repairs to a bridge.

Crews expected to make needed repairs to the eastbound side of the bridge Friday.

Officials say the detour from Asheville to Dandridge takes about 45 minutes longer than traveling from Asheville through the Pigeon River Gorge.

Crews say the work needs to be done before bridge conditions deteriorate heading into winter.