VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. -- A Van Buren County man is facing several charges after being arrested following a multi-agency investigation into illegal deer poaching.

The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office reports on Sunday deputies received a be-on-the-lookout alert for a vehicle suspected of being involved with the illegal poaching around 60th Avenue and 48th Street in Lawrence Township.

Authorities say they found the suspect vehicle hidden behind some pine trees.

The report states as a deputy approached the vehicle, the driver fled into the woods with a rifle while the passenger stayed. Deputies used a drone to try finding the suspect but were unable to. Authorities did find a deer that had been shot in a nearby field.

The investigation moved forward, assisted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Law enforcement soon found more deer that had been shot in the area.

Investigators determined the suspect was in the Lawton area. When deputies tried to talk with the man at a residence, he fled again, jumping from a second-story window and running into the woods.

Deputies along with K9 Charlie attempted to track the suspect without success before expanding the search. Deputies then learned the suspect fled toward another nearby home.

A deputy and K9 Charlie ran into him near the home, at which point the suspect fled again. The deputy and K9 chased him back into the woods where another deputy was. The suspect was subsequently arrested.

The suspect, identified as Justin Ernst, suffered minor injuries from briars and was checked by medics on scene before being taken to the Van Buren County Jail.

Ernst is charged with seven counts of Resisting and Obstructing, Felony Firearm Offenses, and Driving-Related Offenses. The DNR is continuing its investigation into the alleged game violations.

Ernst's bond was set at $500,000 after being arraigned in the 7th District Court in Paw Paw.

The sheriff's office notes there was no ongoing threat to the community during this incident.