State police in Herkimer arrested Michael R. Drennen, 33, of Utica, Dec. 27, 2019, on charges of third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a class D felony; fourth-degree criminal mischief, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer and second-degree obstructing governmental administration, all class A misdemeanors; and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, an unclassified misdemeanor.
According to police, on Dec. 27, 2019, at approximately 5 p.m., troopers attempted to stop a gray Dodge pickup truck on North Main Street in the village of Poland for speeding (51 mph in a 30-mph zone); the operator of the pickup truck refused to comply and fled from patrol.
The vehicle continued southbound on State Route 28, reaching 90 mph in a 55-mph zone, and the pursuit continued into the village of Newport and through the towns of Newport and Schuyler.
The vehicle then traveled west on State Route 5 in the town of Schuyler and, upon exiting the intersection of Newport Road and Dyke Road, the vehicle exited the roadway and struck an earth embankment, causing damage to the front passenger wheel. The vehicle continued west on Route 5 into Utica, where it became disabled at the end of Lee Boulevard.
The operator of the vehicle, later identified as Drennen, exited the vehicle and fled on foot; he was taken into custody by troopers without incident after a brief foot pursuit.
The investigation revealed Drennen stole the pickup truck Dec. 26 from a Stewart’s Shop in Rome.
Drennen was arraigned in Russia Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to return to court Jan. 15, 2020, at 7 p.m.