A Winchester man may be facing charges after he allegedly led police on a pursuit in a stolen pickup truck during the weekend.

The pursuit ended early Saturday morning when the truck hit a concrete pad for a fire hydrant and a utility pole before breaking the truck in half and ejecting the driver.

Winchester Police officers began following a white Chevrolet Colorado around 3 a.m. Saturday on Belmont Avenue, Winchester Police Capt. Harvey Craycraft said. When officers attempted to stop the truck for suspicion of driving under the influence, Craycraft said the driver accelerated and sped off. Officers lost sight of the truck, Craycraft said, until reaching the intersection with Harkins Drive. By then, the driver lost control of the truck, crashed and was ejected after the cab and bed separated upon impact, he said.

Craycraft said it appeared the truck hit a concrete pad and a metal post protecting a fire hydrant and struck a utility pole. The pole broke, as well as the truck. The truck’s cab traveled another 30 or 40 feet, he said, before coming to rest.

The driver, identified as William Benningfield of 250 Mutual Ave., was ejected from the truck. He was conscious and talking with officers at the scene, Craycraft said.

The truck itself, was reported stolen about an hour after the pursuit ended, Craycraft said. There does not appear to be a connection between Benningfield and the owner, he said.

Benningfield was transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center following the crash. Craycraft said charges would be filed once he was released from the hospital.

Contact Fred at fred.petke@winchestersun.com.