Franklinton teacher charged with leading police on chase

A Franklinton High School teacher was on paid leave Monday after a weekend arrest in which he reportedly led Youngsville police on a chase.

Isaac Stuart Welker, 38, was charged with driving while impaired, felony fleeing to elude and resisting arrest.

Youngsville police received a call about someone driving recklessly on Saturday night, and an officer spotted a car matching the description of the vehicle and began pursuit.

The car was riding on a wheel rim, with sparks flying, police said, and the driver refused to stop for the officer, police said. A chase ensued on U.S. Highway 1, with the State Highway Patrol and Franklin County Sheriff's Office deputies assisting.

The car finally came to a stop after a wheel fell off, police said. The car had a large tree limb hanging off its passenger side, they said.

Welker has worked for Franklin County Schools since August 2012, officials said.