Charges have been laid against a Thamesville teen who tried to escape the long arm of the law.

Police say a vehicle was spotted in Wallaceburg this morning with the wrong plates, but when the officer tried to pull the suspect over, the car sped off. Citing public safety concerns, the officer didn’t give chase.

However, about an hour later the vehicle was found in a parking lot on McNaughton Avenue.

The 19-year-old behind the wheel was arrested and charged with failing to stop, using plates unauthorized for the vehicle, driving without a permit, and having open alcohol in the vehicle.

Beer and the license plates were seized and the vehicle towed form the scene.