Columbia police assisted in attempting to stop a car that drove away from a hit-and-run crash in South St. Louis County about 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Police were alerted that a gray Mercury Sable with two black men inside was traveling on I-255 eastbound toward Columbia shortly after the crash. When a responding officer got behind the vehicle on I-255, the suspect vehicle led Columbia police on a brief chase with speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour before the Columbia officer decided to discontinue pursuit. The suspect vehicle reportedly cut off a semi-truck during the chase.

The car was last seen taking the Cahokia exit off I-255, the Columbia police officer reported to dispatch.

It was learned later than the suspect vehicle was involved in a retail theft at Walmart in South County prior to the hit-and-run crash near Telegraph Road.