NATCHEZ — After being stopped at a checkpoint on Canal Street at 10:41 p.m. Tuesday, Kelvin M. Tolbert, 20, allegedly decided to take police on a ride.

After being told that his license was suspended, that his passenger, Kendrick Tolbert, 23, 62 Providence Road, had an outstanding warrant for driving under suspension and admitting to officers that he had just smoked marijuana, he was advised he was under arrest and told to put the car in park, the police report said.

“He said OK, and they put the car in gear and blew through the road block,” the report said.

The two made it from the roadblock at the corner of Briel Avenue and Canal Street to the front of The Natchez Democrat, where they wrecked the car and fled on foot and managed to evade police.

Kelvin and Kendrick have warrants out for resisting arrest. Kelvin is also charged with driving under suspension, no proof of insurance, failure to yield to blue lights and sirens and driving under the influence.

“That was my first experience with people running,” Natchez Police Department Lt. Justin Jones said. It doesn’t happen often.”

The chase was fairly low speed, Natchez Police Chief Mike Mullins said.

While the Tolberts evaded police for the time being, nine other people were arrested on charges including contempt of court, false pretenses, driving under suspension, possession of a controlled substance and carrying a concealed weapon.

“This reinforces the need for safety checkpoints,” Mullins said.

This was the first checkpoint of the state’s Labor Day Crackdown, which will continue through Monday.

“We will be conducting three more over the next two weeks,” Mullins said.

These checkpoints are common around major holidays, Mullins said.

While Tuesday night’s checkpoints had more action than usual, Jones said it was a success.

“We got a gun off the street and some pills off the street,” he said. “We want everyone to enjoy the holiday weekend, but to be safe.”