A Leeds man was arrested Monday evening after a theft was reported in Leeds and a police chase on the Maine Turnpike.

Alfred Bellanceau was charged with operating under the influence, two counts of operating after licensed revoked, theft by unauthorized taking, driving to endanger, leaving the scene of an accident and refusing to sign a criminal summons.

About 4:30 p.m. Monday, the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office investigated a report of theft at a Leeds convenience store. Witnesses said  they tried to stop an intoxicated male from leaving. But he got into a silver Ford Mustang and hit another vehicle in the parking lot before heading south.

About 6:45 p.m., a state trooper saw a Mustang matching the description of the vehicle from the Leeds theft traveling south on the Maine Turnpike. The Mustang was speeding and unable to stay in a lane — almost hitting other vehicles, according to a statement from the Maine State Police. 

The trooper didn’t try to stop the vehicle until it was south of the Portland metropolitan area, according to state police. The trooper stopped the vehicle on the fourth attempt.

The trooper arrested Bellanceau after administering a field sobriety test and took him to the Cumberland County Jail. 

This story will be updated.

Alfred Bellanceau