CUMMING — When thinking of the perfect getaway vehicle, chances are it’s not a tractor trailer. And anyone passing the Costco in Cumming about 1 a.m. Wednesday could see why.

Forsyth County Sheriff’s spokesman Epifanio Rodriguez said the tractor-trailer hydroplaned, jackknifed and struck a fire hydrant, street sign and other objects before coming to a rest by a power pole in front of the mega-store at Bald Ridge Marina Road and Market Place Boulevard.

Deputies were pursuing the vehicle, which had been traveling erratically through Cumming. Rodriguez said the driver, 58-year-old Anthony Kent of Dawsonville, had reached speeds topping 80 mph, while running red lights and failing to maintain his lane.

After the crash, Kent was taken to an area hospital in critical condition. Rodriguez said he will face charges of fleeing or eluding a police officer, reckless driving and other traffic violations.

More charges may be forthcoming, depending on the results of an investigation and a blood test.

The pursuit began on Canton Highway (Hwy. 20) at Tower Road as the county received multiple 911 calls about the vehicle.

It was not immediately clear what company owned the tractor trailer and whether Kent was hauling a load at the time.

As of Wednesday afternoon, investigators had not been able to speak with Kent due to his hospitalization.