AUSTIN — A 26-year-old Mankato man was arrested early Monday for possessing drug paraphernalia and fleeing an Austin police officer, allegedly to see if he could get away with it.

Austin police spotted John Fargen near the 800 block of 19th Street NE at about 1 a.m. Monday, according to Police Chief Brian Krueger. Fargen allegedly turned away from the police cruiser and looked like he was trying to hide something from the officer.

When police pulled up to the curb, Fargen allegedly took off despite warnings from police, Krueger said. An officer chased Fargen through several yards, eventually catching him at 19th Place and Seventh Avenue NE.

Police found glass pipes with what looked to be marijuana residue on Fargen, according to Krueger. When asked why he ran, Fargen allegedly told police he wanted to see if he could get away.

Fargen was arrested for possessing drug paraphernalia and fleeing an officer. He awaits formal charges at the Mower County jail.