Authorities tonight still trying to figure out why three people decided to flee from police in Ulster County.

The incident began late Wednesday into Thursday morning after state police stopped a car on Interstate 87 for allegedly speeding.

But instead of showing license and insurance, all three car passengers jumped out and ran into the surrounding woods, according to New Paltz police. This caused authorities to initiate a massive manhunt – launching a helicopter to find the trio.

An hour later, police had one suspect.

Three hours later, a New Paltz police officer spotted the other two getting into the backseat of a different car at a Shell gas station off Route 299.

The officer called for backup, then pulled the car over on North Putt Corners Road.

That's when the driver got out, police say, and the two suspects jumped into the front seat – speeding away as one officer grabbed onto the getaway driver.

Police say the officer was dragged a short distance, suffering only minor abrasions, before another New Paltz officer shot the tire out of the getaway car.

That car crashed a half-mile later at an intersection. Authorities say the two suspects went back into the woods again only to be caught by police three hours later while trying to hail a taxi.

State police say they are still investigating this case and looking for reasons why the suspects didn't respond to initial police orders.

In total, four people, all from New York City, were arrested and are now facing multiple charges, including assault of an officer.