SALISBURY — A Kannapolis man was convicted of eluding arrest this week by a jury and received two years of probation.

Jurors found Julian Smith guilty in Rowan County Criminal Superior Court of felony fleeing to elude arrest and misdemeanor resisting a public officer.

Judge Lori Hamilton sentenced Smith to a minimum of six months to a maximum of 17 months in prison, which was suspended. He was placed on supervised probation for two years with several conditions.

Officials say that about Jan. 29, 2017, officers with the Salisbury Police Department saw a Chevy Impala at North Long Street and Park Avenue with a limited expired tag. The vehicle was registered to Smith, and his license was suspended.

Officers tried to stop the vehicle, but Smith drove through a red light and across several streets. Authorities said he reached speed of more than 60 to 70 mph.

Smith lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a ditch, then ran away on foot. He was arrested a short time later.

Rowan County District Attorney Brandy Cook said she appreciates the work of Assistant District Attorney Barrett Poppler in the trial of the case and the investigation conducted by the Salisbury Police Department.

Cook said these types of cases are some of the most dangerous because innocent people can be injured or killed.