A police officer caused a car accident after fleeing from a failed sobriety test.

Police said Thursday that the officer drove away his in sedan when he failed a field sobriety test from Daejeon Interchange on Gyeongbu Expressway around 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday.

The vehicle reportedly headed in the direction of Seoul recklessly weaving between lanes.

The automobile stopped at 11:54 p.m. when it crashed into an iron pillar at a gas station in Jugam Service Area, about 17 kilometers away from Daejeon Interchange, according to police.

Although the car caught fire, it did not spread to the gas station.

The driver, who escaped from the vehicle, was caught by police at the site.

It has been found during the police investigation that he is a police officer at Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency.

Police said he claimed that he ran away because he was afraid he would be caught driving while under the influence of alcohol.

By Ahn Sang-yool (koolsangon@heraldcorp.com)