Car Theft Gone Wrong: Sullivan Man Crashes Stolen Vehicle, Flees

Photo byMichael FörtschonUnsplash

Morning Car Theft Attempt Ends in Crash

SULLIVAN, Maine — A 22-year-old man was arrested Tuesday morning following a chaotic series of events involving car theft, a crash, and an attempted hit-and-run. Police say Bruce Dieter, of Sullivan, is now facing multiple charges, including unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

The incident began just after 6:30 a.m. when a Sullivan woman heard her car start outside her home. When she went outside to investigate, she reportedly found Dieter attempting to steal her vehicle. Authorities say the situation escalated quickly when Dieter tried to run the woman over. However, his getaway was cut short when he crashed the car into nearby trees and fled the scene on foot.

Crashing Another Borrowed Vehicle

Not long after the initial crash, police received reports of a vehicle driving through a road closure on Red Bridge Road, damaging several signs before being abandoned. Authorities later determined that the car involved in this second crash was one Dieter had borrowed earlier.

Arrested After Fleeing into the Woods

Following an intense search, police found Dieter hiding in the woods later that day. He was promptly arrested and taken to the Hancock County Jail, where he is being held on multiple charges.

Facing Multiple Charges

Dieter is facing charges related to the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and additional charges related to his attempted hit-and-run and the damage caused by the abandoned car. Police are continuing to investigate the full extent of the damage.

Attribution source: Wabi.tv