WATERVILLE — A man from Iowa stole a car late Sunday, led police on a four-mile chase with a top speed of 80 mph and, after crashing in Winslow, was ordered from the vehicle at gunpoint, according to police.

The man, Tyler Dean Uehling, 22, of Sioux City, Iowa, hit a guardrail at the intersection of Carter Memorial Drive and China Road and stopped near the edge of an embankment, said Deputy Chief Charles Rumsey.

The stolen 2003 green Chrysler PT Cruiser was spotted by Officer Andrew McMullin on Hazelwood Avenue shortly after it was reported stolen at 11:55 p.m. Sunday from a Leighton Street residence.

McMullin activated the cruiser’s lights and siren on College Avenue, but the driver did not stop, said Rumsey.

Sgt. Dan Ames joined the pursuit, which Rumsey said continued on Elm and Silver streets, then onto Carter Memorial Drive.

When Uehling braked on Carter Memorial Drive near the intersection of China Road, Rumsey said the PT Cruiser glanced off a guardrail and continued traveling off road.

Uehling stopped when he reached the edge of an embankment, Rumsey said.

Uehling was arrested on charges of eluding a police officer, theft of a motor vehicle, criminal speeding, operating under the influence and operating without a license.

Eluding an officer, said Rumsey, is a class C felony, which is punishable up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Rumsey said he did not know why Uehling was in Waterville or what his motive was for stealing the vehicle.

The car sustained about $1,000 in damages, said Rumsey.

Uehling did not make the $3,000 cash bail and was taken to Kennebec County jail in Augusta. Uehling will appear Feb. 7 in Kennebec County Superior Court.

Beth Staples — 861-9252

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