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JEFFERSON CITY - Two men were arrested Thursday morning after the driver attempted to flee police.

Jefferson City police arrested Bruce Dudenhoeffer and Justin Thurston, both of Jefferson City.

Officers first tracked their vehicle when observing it in a parking lot. They believed it was involved in narcotics trafficking in the area. After officers observed activity in and around the vehicle, Dudenhoeffer and Thurston got into it and left the area. The officer followed.

The officer noticed the car had expired license plate tags and attempted to pull them over. The driver, Dudenhoeffer, did not yield and attempted to flee.

The pursuit continued westbound on Swifts Highway, then northbound on Southwest Boulevard. Police said the passenger, Thurston, opened his car door as if to bail near the intersection of Southwest and Missouri. However, the car continued at a high rate of speed.

Next, the vehicle attempted to make a right turn onto westbound US 54. Police said it appeared the brakes locked up during the turn and resulted in the vehicle skidding into a parked tractor trailer.

Cole County EMS and Fire Department responded to the scene for injuries sustained by the driver and passenger. Both were taken to a local hospital to be treated for injuries. Neither the tractor trailer driver nor the pursuing officer were hurt.

Dudenhoeffer, 33, was arrested for suspicion of intoxicated driving, driving while revoked, 2nd degree assault, an outstanding Callaway County warrant, and possession of methamphetamine and narcotics paraphernalia.

Thurston was arrested for a Cole County warrant and possession of methamphetamine and narcotics paraphernalia.