Slow ride: Stolen tractor leads Boone police on a chase after hitting several vehicles

BOONE, N.C. (WTVD) -- An unusual police chase took place Tuesday in the North Carolina mountains.

Police in Boone were in hot pursuit of a stolen tractor.

Police Chief Andy Le Beau said they got a call about someone driving the tractor erratically in a parking lot and trying to hit pedestrians.

The tractor did hit several vehicles, including a police car. It also hit a dumpster and a church.

Officers shot out the front tire and used spike strips but that didn't work.

After a few miles of driving without a front tire, the driver turned onto a private drive, jumped off the tractor and began wielding a knife.

The chief said the suspect, identified as Ronnie Hicks was "very familiar with" his department.

Police used a Taser on him and took him into custody.

No injuries were reported.