Brewer Man Accused of Stealing a Car at Bangor Walmart

An 18-year-old Brewer man is facing charges after allegedly taking a vehicle from the Bangor Walmart parking lot.

Brewer Man Accused of Stealing a Vehicle From a Bangor Parking Lot

Austin Gardner, 18, of Brewer, is accused of stealing a vehicle and leading police on a chase before being arrested.

READ MORE: The 11 Most Frequently Stolen Items from Maine Walmart Stores

Bangor Police Sergeant Jason McAmbley says the incident began in the Walmart parking lot, on Stillwater Avenue.

Bangor Police Say the Driver of a Stolen Vehicle Led a Chase Near Bangor Mall

Gardner allegedly grabbed the car keys from someone he knows, and that person attempted, unsuccessfully, to retrieve them. Officials say Gardner then took that individual's vehicle without their permission.

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The vehicle theft was reported to the Bangor Police Department.

Brewer Man Faces Multiple Charges for Allegedly Stealing a Vehicle in Bangor

When officers located the car, McAmbley says a brief chase ensued in the Bangor Mall area. The driver finally went off the road and disappeared into the woods.

Officers searched the area and found Gardner, taking him into custody.

Austin Gardner faces the following charges:

• Robbery
• Eluding an officer
• Theft
• Reckless conduct
• Failure to stop
• Driving to endanger
• Refusing to submit
• Operating after suspension

He was transported to the Penobscot County Jail.

We'll update this story as more details become available.