What appeared to be a routine stop on Highway 61 North Tuesday turned into a foot chase for Warren County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said deputies T’onna Sims and Michael Whitley observed an SUV parked in the center turn lane of the highway just after 4 p.m. and a male and female subject standing outside the vehicle having a conversation.

“They came back to check if they needed assistance and the male subject ran,” Pace said. “Deputy Sims secured the female and Deputy Whitley chased the male through the woods about a quarter of a mile.”

Pace said the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Bobby D. Parker of Hinds County, was taken into custody, at which point a hypodermic needle was found on his person, leading to charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest.

Pace said Parker also faces parole violations for an existing felony conviction.

Parker was booked into the Warren County Jail and held without bond as he awaits a hearing with the parole board.