AUBURN – A motorist whose passengers said he was a fugitive led Auburn police on a chase by car and foot Sunday night, then eluded a search dog as police combed the Lake Street area.

Police spotted the man’s car, which had a broken taillight, shortly after 7 p.m. The driver refused to stop for the police, starting a 50-mph chase that went up Minot Avenue and around the Lake Street neighborhood. After a few minutes, the driver pulled over and fled the vehicle, leaving his passengers behind.

According to police, the passengers identified the man as a 27-year-old fugitive from New Hampshire, but officers could not confirm his identity.

Police chased the man, using a search dog to trail him. When the dog lost the scent after about 15 minutes, the officers gave up the chase.

Auburn police said the passengers were not charged with any crime.