OCEAN CITY — Authorities had to utilize a Taser multiple times this afternoon to apprehend a suspect, who was believed to have used a knife of some sort to carry out a carjacking in South Bethany Beach earlier today.

As a result of the Taser being discharged, the man has been taken to Atlantic General Hospital per Ocean City Police Department protocol.

Delaware State Police became engaged in a high-speed chase with the suspect earlier this morning after he reportedly used a machete-style weapon to carjack a black Passport.

A high-speed chase then ensued, leading south on Route 1 to Ocean City. After striking at least two vehicles on Coastal Highway, the suspect crashed into a pole in front of the Greene Turtle in North Ocean City and then fled on foot. The machete was reportedly recovered by police, according to witnesses nearby.

The suspect entered a nearby canal at one point and began swimming to elude capture, and police were able to catch up with him later on marsh land near Channel Buoy Road and Jamestown Road. A Maryland State Police helicopter and a Coast Guard vessel assisted in the effort.

The suspect became combative throughout the arrest process and had to be Tased to be secured, according to witnesses.

In the earlier accidents, one of which occurred in front the Long & Foster office on 118th Street, a vehicle sustained damage and was pushed onto the curb. An air bag was deployed in that accident. The occupants were reportedly injured.

Later, a burgundy vehicle was struck as well with children inside. The nature of the injuries of those occupants is not known at this time, but ambulances did reportedly the leave the scene in a rush with injured victims.

More on this story as it develops.