Eugene Thome of Laporte County said he didn't realize it was a police car until the car's lights were activated.

LAPORTE (WTHR) — A Laporte County man attempted to burn rubber against a police car on Saturday night, according to police.

Eugene Thome, 40, was driving on Ind 39 when he pulled behind an unmarked police car.

The officer noticed Thom and sped up to create distance between the two cars. Thom then weaved in and out of the lanes to pass the officer at more than 70 mph.

The officer said he activated his emergency lights and turned onto Springville Rd. That's when Thome ditched his vehicle and decided to flee on foot.

When the officer finally apprehended Thome, he said he was hoping to engage the officer into racing him. He hadn't realized he had pulled behind a police car until the officer's lights were on.