A TRUCK THAT HAD BEEN STOLEN and crashed 80 feet down a riverbank near the Lisbon-Durham bridge Friday morning is hauled up by a tow truck.

A TRUCK THAT HAD BEEN STOLEN and crashed 80 feet down a riverbank near the Lisbon-Durham bridge Friday morning is hauled up by a tow truck.

LISBON

Lisbon police issued multiple charges Friday morning to a transient they say stole a pickup truck and, while being pursued by police, crashed it through a guardrail by the Lisbon- Durham Bridge and landed more than 80 feet below along the riverbank.

Tony R. St. Pierre, 44, a transient formerly from the Augusta area, was charged with burglary of a motor vehicle, operating under the influence and the following felony charges: Burglary of a commercial building, theft, aggravated criminal mischief, unauthorized use of property, eluding a police officer and aggravated operating after habitual offender revocation.

At approximately 4 a.m., Officer Ryan McGee was performing nightly routine business checks. Due to recent commercial burglaries in the area, the business checks had been completed numerous times throughout the night.

After checking the Restorations Home Remodeling Business and surrounding businesses located on Capital Avenue, McGee noticed that a truck that had been parked next to the remodeling building earlier was missing, according to a Lisbon police press release. Moments later, he observed the truck northbound on Capital Avenue, turning east on Route 196. He followed the truck, observed erratic operation and attempted to stop the vehicle. The truck accelerated and a short chase on Route 196 ensued.

“St. Pierre attempted to elude Officer McGee, as he drove at a high speed, causing vehicles onto the shoulder and sidewalk,” stated the press release. “St. Pierre led Officer McGee onto Canal Street where he was unable to negotiate the turn onto the Lisbon-Durham Bridge and crashed through the guardrail, traveling 80- plus feet down to the riverbank of the Androscoggin River.”

St. Pierre suffered minor bruises and was transported by Lisbon Emergency to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston where he was evaluated and medically cleared. He was then taken into custody and brought to the Lisbon Police Department for processing and questioning. He was later transported to Androscoggin County Jail where he was detained on a probation hold and $5,000 cash bail.

Detective William Tapley was assigned to investigate the incident. The investigation revealed that Restorations Home Remodeling had been a victim of a burglary; items stolen include truck keys, various tools, business checks and clothing items. The stolen vehicle was a total loss. Further investigation revealed that St. Pierre had attempted to burglarize other businesses and motor vehicles in the Capital Avenue area.

Police learned that St. Pierre had been released by Kennebec County Jail at 5 p.m. the previous evening, and “has an extensive criminal history to include burglary and theft and has spent numerous years in prison.”

Any witnesses that may have further information are asked to contact Detective William Tapley at 353- 2500.


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