AUGUSTA — Two New York men were arrested after allegedly crashing an SUV into a fire pit while fleeing police, then running into the woods on foot only to be tracked down by a police dog.

At 6:56 p.m. Aug. 1, Kennebec County Sheriff’s Deputy Elijah Curtis stopped a 2006 Ford Escape, with Pennsylvania plates, on Route 3 in Augusta for allegedly speeding and crossing over into the breakdown lane. The driver pulled over and stopped, but as Curtis was walking up to the vehicle it took off at a high rate of speed.

The driver traveled a short distance and attempted to turn onto Bolton Hill Road, but missed the turn and drove into the yard of a residence at 5 Bolton Hill Road, crashing into and destroying a cement block fire pit.

Two men exited the vehicle and ran off into the woods, despite being told to stop, according to Lt. Chris Read of the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office.

Police called for a dog and Deputy Jeff Boudreau and police K-9 Vixen tracked them, locating two men who, Read said, matched the description of the men that fled the crash site.

Augusta police and the Maine State Police K-9 team also assisted in searching for the men.

The driver, Gala K. Yves, 26, of New York City, was arrested and charged with several offenses: eluding an officer, failing to stop for an officer, criminal speeding, criminal mischief, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash, refusing to submit to arrest or detention, and operating a vehicle without a license.

Bail for Yves was set at $1,000.

Also arrested was Keon L. Sprull, 20, of New York City, on a charge of refusing to submit to arrest or detention. His bail was set at $150.