Posted on July 22, 2025 at 2:17 PM by Katy England
Police Department
Official Media Release
BANGOR, Maine - A Brewer man is facing numerous charges after reportedly stealing a vehicle and leading police on a chase before being apprehended. According to police, Austin Gardner, 18, of Brewer allegedly grabbed the car keys from a person known to him, who tried unsuccessfully to get the keys back. Gardner then allegedly took that person's vehicle without their permission, leading to the automobile theft report.
When officers located the car, there was a brief chase and the driver ultimately went off the roadway and disappeared into the woods. Officers searched the area, locating and arresting Gardener a short time later.
Gardner was transported to the Penobscot County Jail and was charged with the following:
- Robbery 17-A § 651 Class: A
- Eluding an Officer 29-A §2414 Class: C
- Theft 17-A § 353 Class: C
- Reckless Conduct 17-A § 211 Class: C
- Failure to Stop 29-A §2414 Class: E
- Driving to Endanger 29-A §2413 Class: E
- Refusing to Submit 17-A §751 Class: E
- Theft 17-A §353 Class: E
- OAS 29-A §2412 Class: E
