The driver of an 18-wheeler police believe was under the influence of a controlled substance led deputies on a chase Thursday night that included the truck going the wrong way on Interstate 10.

According to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, deputies serving warrants in the Prichard area spotted an 18-wheeler driving in the wrong lane of traffic on I-165 near Beauregard Street.

Deputies initiated a traffic stop, but the truck driver continued on, leading MCSO units on a pursuit through the Royal Street area and ultimately reaching I-10, where the driver went west in the eastbound lanes of I-10.

Fearing for the safety of other drivers, deputies were able to shoot out the tires of the 18-wheeler, bringing it to a stop on the interstate near the Michigan Avenue exit.

The driver, later identified as Christopher Cody Foster, attempted to flee the scene on foot but was quickly apprehended by a sheriff’s K-9 unit.

“Our deputies exercised good tactics,” Sheriff Paul Birch said, “and were able to prevent what could have been a horrible situation with several fatalities.”

Deputies advised Foster appeared to be under the influence and found several grams of methamphetamine and ice in his possession. The sheriff’s office reported the truck was carrying fertilizer pellets.

Foster was booked into the Mobile County Jail on charges of criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and attempting to elude law enforcement.