New York State Police arrested a man from Troy, Brian Genthner, on Tuesday following a chase involving a stolen vehicle. The incident began with a complaint in Saranac Lake regarding a 2019 red Ford pickup truck. Troopers spotted the vehicle on State Route 86 around 8 p.m. in North Elba.
When officers attempted to pull Genthner over, he fled, leading troopers on a pursuit for approximately two miles. The chase came to an end when he lost control of the pickup, veering off the road, hitting several road signs, and ultimately crashing into a building at the intersection of Route 86 and Wesvalley Road.
Genthner was apprehended by Lake Placid Police with support from state troopers. He was taken to Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake for his non-life-threatening injuries. During police questioning, he showed signs of impairment and declined to partake in standardized field sobriety tests.
As a result of the incident, Genthner faces multiple charges, including fleeing a police officer, unauthorized use of a vehicle, reckless driving, and driving while intoxicated. He has been issued citations to appear in North Elba court and has been transferred to the Saranac Lake Police Department for additional charges pending against him.
This incident underscores the dangers of impaired and reckless driving, as escapes from law enforcement can lead to serious consequences for both the driver and the public. Authorities will continue to address such behaviors to ensure safety on the roads.