A 35-year-old Kennewick man tried to avoid being arrested Tuesday by running into a Kennewick gym and pretending to be interested in joining.

Kennewick police, however, caught up with Justin R. Payne when an employee at Tri-City Court Club called 911 and reported a suspicious vehicle and person in the parking lot, said Officer John Greenough.

Payne was being chased by police after being spotted in a stolen vehicle around 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of West Metaline Avenue and North Volland Street.

The 1985 BMW 635 quickly left the area but was spotted by back-up units speeding on Canal Drive near Edison Street, Greenough said.

Payne got away from officers again and was last seen in the area of Canal Drive and Grant Street.

A short time later, a Tri-City Court Club employee reported seeing the BMW speed into the parking lot, Greenough said. He then saw the driver remove his jacket, hat and sunglasses and go inside the club.

Officers contacted staff inside and discovered Payne had asked about a membership and was on a tour of the facility.

The suspect was arrested in the lobby.

Officers found Payne had nine felony warrants and had marijuana and drug paraphernalia, Greenough said.

Payne was booked into the Benton County jail on suspicion of possessing stolen property and possessing marijuana with intent to deliver.