A Columbus man was arrested Thursday after allegedly stealing from a home supply store and leading officers on a car chase.

Officer Justin Black, Columbus Police Department spokesman, says that officers were called to Lowe’s at approximately 2:45 p.m. after receiving the report. Officers also say that the man had pepper-sprayed an employee as he was leaving the store.

Black says that after a short time, officers were able to find the suspect’s vehicle and tried to stop it. The driver, 37-year-old Douglas Houchens, allegedly refused to stop and led officers on a short pursuit through the central part of the city. After eluding officers for a brief period, Black says that Houchens was found in the area of 16th Street and Maple Street where he was subsequently arrested. Houchens is facing preliminary charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Syringe, Resisting Law Enforcement, Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury, Theft and Reckless Driving.

Police say the store employee allegedly pepper-sprayed by Houchens was not hurt.