A female driver died in a crash in Wheaton early Saturday after leading police on a high-speed chase that began in North Bethesda, Montgomery County Police said.

       The incident began around 1:30 a.m. after an officer stopped a 2011 Honda Civic for a traffic violation near Rockville Pike and Nicholson Lane, police said.

       Wp Get the full experience.Choose your plan ArrowRight

       As the officer approached the vehicle, police say the driver sped off. The officer pursued the car eastbound on Randolph Road for suspicion of driving under the influence.

       The driver lost control of the car and crashed in the 3600 block of Randolph Road in Wheaton. The female driver was pronounced dead on the scene, while her male passenger was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. He was treated and released.

       Police say the officer’s vehicle did not make contact with the Honda Civic and was not involved in the crash. Authorities have not released the names and ages of the driver or passenger.

       The state attorney general’s Independent Investigations Division is investigating and will release body-worn camera footage of the incident within 14 days.